Stings

Taken from the CLEAPSS guidance:

Despite care, bees may sting. It is important to act quickly and correctly. The BBKA recommends the following to beekeepers. The general advice applies to others too.

3.1 Getting the sting out 

‘When a honey bee stings someone, the sting, venom sac and venom pump are left in the skin after the bee pulls away. Most of the venom will be injected in the first 20 seconds but the pump can continue for up to two minutes. It is important to get the sting out fast to minimize the dose of venom. 

It is generally thought that a bee sting should not be squeezed for fear of forcing more venom into the skin but experiments in America have shown that as long as action is taken quickly there is no difference at all between scraping, tweaking or squeezing. Time can be wasted finding a penknife or scraper, so the best method is to scratch out the sting with a fingernail or hive tool quickly. 

An ice pack or packet of frozen peas will help to reduce any pain or swelling resulting from the sting. Sometimes a bee will sting through the bee suit or gloves. Then it only takes a moment to shift the clothing and dislodge the sting, smoke the area and remove the sting from the clothing.’

 Uncomfortable swelling is normal. It may last for several days. A doctor may advise the use of an antihistamine such as Piriton. This should not be administered without professional advice. Antihistamines can cause drowsiness. 

3.2 Allergic reactions 

About 20% of beekeepers seem to have some allergic reaction to bee stings. This can range from slight swelling in the vicinity of the sting, to a generalised itching (urticaria) or anaphylaxis (generalized shock including difficulty in breathing). This very allergic group needs to be careful when working with bees to ensure that they are not stung or have prepared for an emergency. Unfortunately even beekeepers who normally show little reaction to bee stings may react adversely to further stings so it is always wise to be prepared and ensure that help can be called in any emergency

3.3 Bee sting anaphylactic shock: what to do 

Anaphylactic shock is very rare, but if it does happen, very quick and calm procedure is essential. Anaphylactic shock results from a sudden drop in blood pressure. The observable symptoms include the rapid onset of tingling of the lips, dizziness, nausea, vomiting and collapse. A common remedy among beekeepers is an Epi-pen, delivering a dose of adrenaline but this should NEVER be administered by another person since unnecessary adrenaline can cause death.

 The following advice is adapted, with permission, from that issued by the BBKA: 

• If anaphylactic shock is suspected get someone to call the first aider and the emergency services immediately. Explain that it’s a bee sting reaction. Then: 
  

If the person is conscious 

• Loosen tight clothing at the waist and neck.
  
• Sit her/him on the ground, leaning against a wall, tree or similar.
  
• Make the person as comfortable as possible to help breathing.
  
• The person may be short of breath, feeling sick or feeling faint and may be very frightened so stay with the person, talk quietly and encourage her/him to breathe in and out regularly.
  
• If the casualty is an experienced beekeeper, ask if this reaction is usual and if s/he has any medication provided by her/his GP (i.e. antihistamine tablets). If so let her/him self-medicate.
  

If the person is or becomes unconscious 

• Loosen tight clothing and place the casualty in the recovery position on her/his side.
  
• Tilt the head back for a good airway.
  
• Put underneath arm behind the back.
  
• Check that s/he is breathing and that s/he has a pulse in the side of the neck
  
• Do not try to give the casualty any food or drink.
  
• If the casualty’s heart or breathing stops, resuscitation should be provided by a trained first aider.