How to Treat a Yellow Jacket Sting

Series Summary

The term “first aid” refers to the immediate care that is provided to an injured or sick person. It is used to stabilize a patient until further medical treatment and assessment can be provided at a hospital or care facility. For most of us, a first aid kit is used primarily to treat minor medical emergencies, like small cuts or burns. But it is important to keep a first aid kit stocked with supplies you use regularly as well as those items you might use for a more serious situation until EMS can help. In addition to a first aid kit, knowing what to do in emergency situations is a key part of treating injuries. Knowledge of how to roll an injured person to safety or help a person having an epileptic seizure may not be included in a first aid kit, but might just save a life. In this free video series, let a fire captain demonstrate some basic first aid treatments. Captain Joe Bruni has more than 30 years experience treating major and minor injuries. Here, he explains how to treat insect bites and stings. Also, learn how to relieve the pain from stubbed toes and bruised nails. Find out about how to overcome needle phobias and cigarette smoking. Captain Bruni gives tips for treating jellyfish stings as well. So, improve first aid knowledge today!

Video Transcript

"You know, at some point in time, we're all going to incur some type of sting injury. Hi, I'm Captain Joe Bruni. What I want to talk about is how to treat the common yellow jacket sting. The yellow jacket sting is going to leave behind some type of stinger. That stinger will have some type of venom sack attached to the end of it. The goal is to remove the stinger without further envenomation from that venom sack left behind. Take some type of credit card, driver's license, dull edge of a butter knife, and scrape the stinger away and out of the skin. Do not grab the stinger with fingers or a pair of tweezers as this will squeeze the venom sack and further envenomate the victim. Once the stinger has been removed, it can be treated by first cleaning the site with soap and water or some type of antiseptic and then applying ice, and a paste of either meat tenderizer and water, or baking soda and water for a short period of time over that site location. Keep in mind, there will be redness, swelling, and pain. The ice and the paste will help to reduce both of those. I'm Captain Joe Bruni, stay safe, and we'll see you next time."