First Aid for Tick Bites

A recent study published by the Canadian Medical Association Journal states that with the current climate changes ticks, and the Lyme disease they can transmit, are spreading across Canada including the North.

Ticks are small insects (the size of watermelon seeds) that dig into the flesh of humans and animals. Because they use a pain killer when they bore into the flesh most hosts do not notice they have been bitten.

When going into wooded or grassy areas: wear long sleeved shirts and pants, wear light colours and don’t wear perfume. When you leave those areas check yourself thoroughly for small black dots especially in areas such as the underarms. If the tick has not bored in yet you can brush it off otherwise use tweezers and pull straight out (avoid twisting). Lyme disease can appear as a rash that starts small and spreads up 18cm across, may cause flu-like symptoms. Later symptoms include arthritis, numbness, problems seeing or hearing, memory loss and high fever. Lyme disease can cause serious medical problems and you should seek medical attention as soon as possible.

As an Authorized Training Provider of the Canadian Red Cross, all First Aid Ottawa Standard and Emergency First Aid courses are recognized by WSIB and its Federal counterpart the Canada Labour code. Visit us online at www.FirstAidOttawa.com or at 613-225-2727.