Envenomation
Table of Contents
Overview
Envenomation can come from snakes, spiders, marine stingers, insects, and other animals. First aid depends on the species and setting, so call for expert advice early when unsure.
Snake Bite
Suspected snake bite is a medical emergency.
- Follow DRSABCD.
- Call 000.
- Keep the person still and lying down.
- Apply a pressure immobilisation bandage over the bite area and along the limb if trained and available.
- Splint the limb to reduce movement.
- Mark the bite site on the bandage if known.
- Do not wash the bite, as venom traces can help identification.
Do not cut, suck, wash, apply ice, or use a tourniquet.
Spider Bite
| Spider | First Aid |
|---|---|
| Funnel-web or suspected funnel-web | Pressure immobilisation, keep still, call 000 |
| Redback | Apply ice packs for pain and seek medical advice |
| Unknown spider with severe symptoms | Call 000 or Poisons Information |
Watch for severe pain, sweating, nausea, breathing difficulty, weakness, or collapse.
Jellyfish and Marine Stings
Treatment varies by species and region:
- In tropical northern Australian waters, apply vinegar for suspected box jellyfish or Irukandji stings and call 000.
- For bluebottle stings, rinse with seawater, remove tentacles carefully, and use hot water immersion if available and safe.
- Do not rinse marine stings with fresh water unless specifically advised for that species.
- Call 000 for breathing difficulty, collapse, severe pain, or suspected Irukandji or box jellyfish.
When Unsure
Call the Poisons Information Centre on 13 11 26 or 000 for urgent symptoms. Keep the person still, monitor breathing and responsiveness, and be ready to start CPR.