Bites and stings - first aid

Australia has many animal and insect species that bite or sting. The following is advice on basic first aid procedures only. In all instances, it is important to seek proper medical treatment.

If you can - and if it’s safe to do so - capture the animal or insect for identification purposes, in case antivenom is required. But don’t waste time doing this unnecessarily.

Use the pressure immobilisation method
The pressure immobilisation method is designed to slow the movement of venom through the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system is a network of tubes that drains fluid (lymph) from the body’s tissues and empties it back into the bloodstream. Bandaging the wound firmly tends to squash the nearby lymph vessels, which helps to prevent the venom from leaving the puncture site. If you don’t have any bandages at hand, use whatever is available, including clothing, stockings or towels. Firmly bandage but not tight enough to cause numbness, tingling or any colour change to the extremities. The lymphatic system relies on muscle movement in order to squeeze lymph through its vessels, so immobilising the limb is another way to slow the spread of venom, sometimes for hours at a time. Splint the limb, if necessary. In general, try to keep the patient calm and reassured. Always seek immediate medical help.

Don’t tourniquet or cut the wound
In the past, a tight tourniquet was recommended as the best method to cut off blood flow and prevent the circulation of venom through the body. This is no longer advised. Do not cut a bite to release the venom or try to suck the venom out of the wound. Don’t give the affected person alcohol to drink.

Land creatures

• Bees - remove the sting by sliding or scraping your fingernail across it, rather than pulling at it. Wash the area and apply ice to reduce the swelling. If the person has an allergy to beestings, they can fall into a life threatening state of anaphylactic shock. The only treatment is an injection of adrenaline. Immobilise the person, apply pressure to the bite and seek immediate medical help.
• Funnel web spider - seek immediate medical help. Bandage the wound firmly. Use a second bandage to wrap the arm or leg and splint the affected limb. Antivenom is required.
• Red back spider - wash the affected area well and soothe the pain with ice packs or iced water. Don’t bandage the area.
• Snakes - seek immediate medical help. Not all Australian snakes are venomous; however, you should follow the basic first aid techniques, just in case. Don’t wash the skin, as traces of venom left behind might be needed by medical personnel to identify the snake. Bandage and splint the limb. If the person was bitten on the torso, make sure your bandaging doesn’t restrict their breathing.
• Tick - if a tick has burrowed into the skin, grasp it behind the head with fine tweezers, as close to the skin as possible. Gently pull it straight out with steady pressure, making sure you remove the entire body. Do not use methylated spirits, alcohol or anything else to kill the tick before removing as this may cause the tick to inject more poison. In the case of the Australian paralysis tick, antivenom is available. A tetanus injection might also be needed.

• Blue-ringed octopus - a bite can cause paralysis; seek immediate medical help. You may need to resuscitate the person. Even if your efforts seem futile, continue resuscitation until medical help arrives.
• Box jellyfish - seek immediate medical help. Stop the tentacles from stinging by pouring vinegar over them. Immobilise the limb and bandage firmly. You may need to resuscitate the person. Antivenom is available.
• Jellyfish - wash the tentacles off with water. Use ice packs or anaesthetic cream to reduce the pain.
• Stonefish - seek immediate medical help. Bathe the area in warm water. Antivenom is available. A tetanus injection might be needed.

• Ambulance officers
• Casualty department of the nearest hospital
• Your doctor.

• In most cases, firmly bandage the site of the wound and keep the person still.
• Don’t use tourniquets, cut the puncture site or try to suck out the venom.
• In the case of ticks, don't try to kill the tick before removal as this may cause the tick to inject more poison.
• Always seek medical advice as quickly as you can.