Bee Swarm Injuries
Date:
09/30/2009 (Last updated: 10/01/2009)Summary:
On Wednesday September 30, 2009 shortly before 10 am, a 9-1-1 call was received regarding a person being attacked by a swarm of bees in the area of Avenue 3E and County 13th.Contact:
On Wednesday September 30, 2009 shortly before 10 am, a 9-1-1 call was received regarding a person being attacked by a swarm of bees in the area of Avenue 3E and County 13th. Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Fire Department and Yuma Fire Department personnel responding to the area found several field workers west of Avenue 3E that had been stung and several others that were still in a citrus grove in need of assistance.
MCAS Firefighters protected by their full firefighting gear and using firefighting foam were able to rescue one worker that had taken refuge in a canal, another that was in a portable toilet, and others they found in the grove. Six workers were treated at the scene by MCAS, YFD, and Rural Metro emergency medical personnel. Four of the workers were transported to Yuma Regional Medical Center for further treatment and evaluation.
One worker believed he had unknowingly struck the swarm when he was placing a ladder against a citrus tree. The bees were described as acting very aggressively. It is not known what type of bees they were. No firefighters were injured.
Fire Departments do respond in situations involving bees, but only in life safety matters when people are being attacked or they have been injured. You should always be aware of your surroundings and alert for potential threats.
