Some insects and animals sting as a defence mechanism. Common signs and symptoms include pain, a visible sting, redness and swelling around the site of the sting.

Insect stings

• Remove the sting straight away if it's visible by brushing or scraping it sideways with your nail, the edge of a credit card or the blunt edge of a knife
• Apply ice pack or cubes
• Watch for adverse reaction, such as anaphylactic shock

Stings in the mouth

• Give casualty an ice cube or cold drink to minimise swelling
• Take casualty to hospital

Jellyfish stings

• Wash with vinegar or salt water
• Put a light compression bandage above the sting
• Watch casualty for adverse reaction, such as anaphylactic shock