Spider and snake bites can be serious medical emergencies, and it’s important to know how to properly treat them if you or someone you’re with is bitten. Depending on the type of spider or snake, the severity of the bite can vary. Here are some steps you can take to help reduce the risk of complications and ensure that the person gets the medical attention they need:

A snake warning sign by a dirt path along the banks of the Yarra River in Hawthorn, Melbourne, Australia

First Aid Management of Australian Snake Bite

  1. Send for an ambulance for any person with a suspected snake bite
  2. Keep the person immobilised (still), reassured and under constant observation
  3. Apply pressure bandaging with immobilisation
  4. Commence CPR if person is unresponsive and not breathing normally. There is no risk of transmission of venom to rescuer by providing CPR
  5. DO NOT cut or incise the bite
  6. DO NOT use an arterial tourniquet
  7. DO NOT wash or suck the bite

Many of Australia’s snakes are protected species. It is strongly recommended that no attempts be made to kill or capture the snake due to the risk of multiple bites or another person being bitten. A digital photograph of the snake may be helpful in identification if safe to do so. Antivenom is available for all venomous snakes native to Australia, but mu be given under health professional supervision in a properly equipped medical facility. Antivenom is not routinely available in New Zealand.

First Aid Management of Spider Bite

  1. If serious symptoms or signs develop from any spider bite, transport the person to hospital.
  2. If funnel-web spider bite is suspected:
    1. Send for an ambulance.
    2. Keep the person immobilised (still), reassured and under constant observation. [Good Practice Statement]
    3. Apply pressure bandaging with immobilisation.
    4. Sudden collapse with cardiac arrest requires immediate CPR.
  3. If other spider bite, apply ice pack for pain relief, transport to medical care if unwell.

The bites of many different Australian spiders may cause pain but only bites from some funnel-web spiders are an immediate threat to life, although the Redback spider bite may be a threat to life in the very young or very old. There are no spiders native to New Zealand that are considered a threat to life, however, Australian Redback spiders may be encountered in some areas of New Zealand. If serious symptoms or signs develop from any spider bite, transport the person to hospital.

In conclusion, if you or someone you’re with is bitten by a spider or snake, it’s important to remain calm and take steps to provide first aid and get medical attention as soon as possible. By following these steps, you can help reduce the risk of complications and ensure that the person receives the care they need.

Equip yourself with the knowledge and skills you need to assist in emergencies by completing first aid training with PADI RTO. The course provides comprehensive training, which will equip you with the skills and knowledge to handle a wide range of situations and give you the confidence to deal with them quickly, correctly, and efficiently. With PADI RTO Trainers located Australia-wide, there’s no need to wait.

 

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