Hot weather could increase potential for animal bites Published June 18, 2015 By Staff Sgt. Joseph Stroud 22nd Medical Group Public Health Flight MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. -- The sun is shining and the weather is nice, which for some people, means more outdoor activities. As people spend more time outside, they can cross paths with unknown or stray animals, increasing the potential for an animal bite to happen. If a person is bitten by an animal, there are several concerns which may arise and several steps the individual or bystander needs to take. First, remove the individual from the threat: get inside a building, vehicle or put some kind of barrier between the people and the animal. Once in a safe environment, wash the wound with soap and warm water. If there is bleeding, apply pressure to stop the bleeding if necessary. Either way, seek medical attention immediately. Next, try to remember what the animal looked like, its behavior at the time of the incident and where the animal bite happened. Also, note if the animal had a collar on. It is important to note if the animal is a stray or not. If the animal appears to be a stray off-base, the 22nd Medical Group recommends contacting the Wichita Animal Control at (316) 350-3360. If the incident occurs on base, contact the 22nd Security Forces Squadron at (316) 759-3976. If the animal is not a stray, exercise caution and try to get the owner's contact information to make an animal bite report. As with any medical emergency, report to the nearest emergency room and follow-up with your primary care provider at the 22nd MDG. An animal bite report will be initiated during the patient encounter with the provider. To schedule an appointment, contact the clinic at (316)759-6300, Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For more information about animal bites, contact the Public Health Flight at (316) 759-5167.