Grade 6 Physical And Health Education Sport Related Injuries – Insect Bites And Stings Notes
Physical & Health Education — Sport Related Injuries
Subtopic: Insect Bites and Stings (Age 11 — Kenya)
When you play sports outside — like football, athletics, or hiking during school trips — you may get insect bites or stings from mosquitoes 🦟, bees/wasps 🐝, ants 🐜 or even scorpions 🦂. These notes explain how to prevent problems and what to do if someone is bitten or stung.
Common insects in Kenya during sports time
- Mosquitoes — can spread malaria and cause itchy bites.
- Bees and wasps — stings can be painful and may cause allergies.
- Ants — some (like fire ants) can cause many painful bites.
- Scorpions — stings are serious and need quick help.
Prevention (How to avoid bites and stings)
- Wear sports clothes that cover arms and legs early morning or late evening.
- Use mosquito repellent on exposed skin (ask a parent or teacher which one is safe).
- Avoid playing near stagnant water and long grass where mosquitoes and tsetse flies breed.
- Wear closed shoes during games and training (no flip-flops) to protect feet from ants and scorpions.
- Do not disturb beehives, anthills or piles of wood/stones — tell your coach if you see them.
First Aid Steps (What to do right away)
- Stay calm and tell a teacher/coach.
- If it is a sting with a visible sting (e.g., bee): gently scrape the stinger out with a flat edge (like a card). Do not pinch it.
- Wash the area with clean water and mild soap.
- Apply a cold pack or a clean, cool cloth to reduce pain and swelling (10–15 minutes).
- If itchy, an adult can give an antihistamine if it is allowed and recommended by the nurse or parent.
- For pain, ask an adult about a suitable pain reliever — only if permitted.
Do NOT:
- Do not scratch the bite — scratching can cause infection.
- Do not try to suck out the venom.
- Do not apply strong chemicals or home remedies without adult permission.
Signs of a Bad Reaction — Get Help Fast
If the person has any of these, call for an adult and an ambulance:
- Breathing trouble, wheezing, or throat swelling
- Very big swelling of the face, lips or tongue
- Fainting, fast heartbeat, or feeling very weak
- High fever, spreading redness, pus, or increasing pain (signs of infection)
Allergy alert: Some people are allergic to bee or wasp stings. If a child has a known severe allergy, they should carry their prescribed injection (EpiPen) and the coach must know how to use it.
School & Coach Responsibilities
- Keep a first-aid kit with antiseptic wipes, tweezers, cold packs, antihistamine (if allowed) and instructions for allergic children.
- Teach students to tell an adult immediately when bitten or stung.
- Check training areas for nests, anthills or water pools and remove danger before play.
Checklist for Students (Quick)
- Tell teacher or coach right away if bitten or stung.
- Wash the bite and use cold pack — do not scratch.
- If you have a known allergy, wear a medical ID and tell the coach.
Short safety rhyme for kids:
"Cover up, check the ground, tell a teacher when stings are found."
Remember: Most bites and stings are not dangerous if we act quickly and calmly. Prevention and telling an adult are the best steps.
Notes for teachers and parents: Encourage use of safe insect repellents, supervise outdoor play near dusk, and keep emergency contacts and allergy information for every child.
🦟 🐝 🐜 🦂