Ontario came close to disaster, this Friday, August 12, 2022: while he was in the middle of a press conference, Doug Ford, the premier of this province in central Canada, swallowed a bee. On the videos circulating on social networks, we can clearly see the insect circling around the politician’s mouth before entering it…
Surprised at first (we understand that!), Doug Ford preferred to laugh at the situation and didn’t want to interrupt his question-and-answer session with the journalists; he then went to the hospital to dislodge the unwanted. Ironically, the press conference focused on the Canadian healthcare system.
Bees, wasps and hornets: medical advice is still necessary
How to react when swallowing a wasp, a hornet or a bee? Firstly, it is essential to call the SAMU (by dialing 15 or 112 on the telephone) in order to obtain medical advice: indeed, a sting in the mouth or in the throat can lead to an obstruction of the respiratory tract. air with a choking hazard. In addition, there is a risk of a serious allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) in some people.
While waiting for the emergency response (or their arrival), experts recommend sucking on an ice cube to delay the formation of any edema or reduce the size of the latter if it has already formed.
In case of proven allergy to Hymenoptera venomsdo not waste time: place the person concerned in the lateral safety position (PLS), administer a dose of adrenaline using their self-injectable pen and call the SAMU (15 or 112).
Finally, to avoid swallowing a wasp, a bee or a hornet, pay attention to the soda cans in which these insects, when they are looking for sugar, can sometimes lodge…
