Raising bees, organically or not, exposes us to one particular hazard, bee stings. The sting is painful but that’s not the worst part. The danger lies if you have an allergy to the sting. About twenty percent of the people exposed to bee stings will have a reaction. Itching is one of the lesser possible symptoms. In the worst-case scenario, the victim can lapse into anaphylactic shock.
When a person is stung, the bee sting (venom sac and pump) should be removed as soon as possible. Any method will do. You don’t have to be afraid of squeezing it because it might produce more venom. The difference is negligible. Just get it done and smoke the area or find another way to mask the scent of the alarm pheromone that a sting also releases. You don’t want more bees coming to find you.
Apply a soothing cream or lotion, like calamine or Witch Hazel as a first aid. When you get back to your home, reduce the pain by applying an ice pack on the affected area.
Anti-histamines may be used if the victim has a sever reaction to the sting. However, consult the doctor beforehand before recklessly prescribing medicine. Some beekeepers may have an adrenaline injection handy just in case a victim is severely affected by a sting. This injection was prepared in advance by a doctor. It may only be applied by that beekeeper or someone who knows all about the injection. It may not be used recklessly.
If the bee victim goes into anaphylactic shock, take the stings out, mask the pheromone and move away from the hive. Keep the victim calm and sit down. If there is difficulty breathing or dizziness, ask if this has happened before and see if he has his own medication at hand. Send for an ambulance. Loosen his clothes and make him as comfortable as possible. Keep him breathing regularly while waiting for the ambulance.
If the victim becomes unconscious, tilt the head back to open the airway. Place the patient in the recovery position. Stretch out one arm and fold the other one to touch the opposite shoulder. Support the head, lift the knee and roll him gently to his side. Do this slowly and carefully. Check for breathing, pulse and call for an ambulance.
Shock happens rarely but it does happen often enough that we have to be prepared. Most people won’t have such a large reaction to bee stings. Beekeepers sometimes ignore the sting. Some even sting themselves! It’s supposed keep up immunity and protect from arthritis and rheumatism.
But for most beekeepers, avoiding the sting is a better option. Organic beekeeping does not prohibit wearing protective gear like a beekeeper suit. Avoid times when the bees are aggressive. Choose the right time and weather when opening hives. Use smoke correctly and wash your beekeeper suit regularly so that the attack pheromones don’t cling to you.
