What is the BEST way to remove a stinger from a bee sting victim when the stinger is still present?

The best way to remove a stinger from a bee sting victim is to scrape the skin with a plastic or stiff paper card. This method is recommended because it minimizes the risk of injecting more venom into the victim. When a bee stings, it leaves behind a venom sac attached to the stinger. If tweezers or fingers are used to pull the stinger out, there's a chance of squeezing the sac and releasing additional venom into the wound, potentially worsening the reaction.

By using a scraping motion with a flat object, such as a plastic card, you can effectively push the stinger out while avoiding the venom sac. This method is quick and reduces the likelihood of complications associated with the sting, such as increased pain and swelling.

Other options, such as using tweezers, fingers, or a baking soda paste, do not provide the same level of efficacy in stinger removal without risk of further venom release or do not address the immediate need to remove the stinger promptly.