Mark Mooney, 38, from Woking, Surrey, was fishing a local syndicate lake with pal Howard Barclay. Mark had already landed an 18lb common on a floater and soon after was playing another big fish.
Howard came along to net the fish, and as he stepped down the bank he trod on a wasps nest. In seconds both anglers were surrounded by a huge swarm of angry wasps and then were attacked time and time again.
“The wasps stung me a dozen times,” Mark said. “But I was determined to land the fish. As soon as we netted it I tore off my wasp-covered clothes and ran away in my underpants and Doc Martens.”
“They started attacking me,” Howard added. “But luckily I was wearing my waterproofs so they couldn’t really get to me. After netting the fish I walked out into the lake up to my head to get away from them.”
Sensibly, they had some anti-histamine tablets and cream with them and were able to relieve the pain. But they were lucky, if either of them had been allergic to insect bites, especially wasps, then the incident could have had fatal consequences.
Source: Croyden Guardian
What to do in an emergency
For most people the only thing they will feel is the pain, which may last for several days. This can be relieved by applying an ice-pack. A bag of frozen peas is as good as anything.
Some people, however, may be allergic to insect bites, and being stung just once is enough to make them extremely ill. Being stung several times like Mark and Howard can prove fatal.
Allergic reactions can produce a puffiness of the skin that extends well beyond the sting site, and in some victims an acute shortness of breath. In the worst instances the heart can stop beating.
The pressure-immobilisation technique, as administered for a snake bite, is the correct treatment for someone stung on a limb who is known to be allergic to stings.
The limb must be kept still while a bandage is wrapped round the limb away from the heart side of the sting, ie, towards the fingers or toes. Then firmly wrap as much of the limb as possible, bandaging upwards to the groin or shoulder. The wrapping pressure should be firm but not constrictive.
Seek medical attention as soon as possible. And NEVER apply a tourniquet.
