How should first aid be applied if a person is stung by a bee?

When a person is stung by a bee, the priority in first aid is to effectively remove the stinger as quickly as possible. The stinger contains venom that can continue to enter the person's body as long as it remains embedded. Gently removing the stinger reduces the amount of venom introduced, thereby alleviating the reaction and discomfort.

Applying pressure to the wound could exacerbate the situation by potentially squeezing more venom into the bloodstream if the stinger is still present, so this is not advisable. Rinsing with hot water is not a standard treatment for bee stings; cold compresses are generally recommended instead to reduce swelling and pain. Allowing the stinger to remain until it falls off would prolong the person’s exposure to the venom, which is not a safe approach in first aid. Therefore, the most effective and correct action is to remove the stinger gently and promptly.