Bites and Stings

Advice from the Children’s Hospital in Westmead
more. fact sheets

Contacts
Ambulance on 000
Ballina District Hospital on 66862111

Spiders
Many different types of spiders in Australia bite people. Many bites cause a reaction on the part of the body that is bitten. The only poisonous species known in Australia are the Red Back Spider and the Funnel Web Spider.

Red Back Spider
A stinging feeling will be followed with swelling and pain.
Basic treatment

wash the area and keep it clean
seek medical advice if symptoms occur

Symptoms may include, weakness, persistent pain, localised sweating, nausea, vomiting and pale colour

Funnel Web Spider
A bite can be very dangerous, especially to young children. There is usually extreme pain, lots of sweating, nausea and vomiting, difficulty in breathing and muscle twitching.

Basic treatment

apply a very firm bandage around the bite and then bandage the whole limb to slow the flow of venom around the body
use a splint to hold the area of the bite still
take the person straight to the nearest hospital

Ticks
Common bush ticks or scrub ticks are often found on people. The tick will bury itself in the skin and release a poison into the blood. Symptoms may include headache, blurred vision and weak limbs.

Basic treatment

pull the tick out, in one piece, with tweezers
if you are not sure that the whole tick has been removed, seek medical advice

Scorpions and centipedes
In Australia these are not poisonous. However, a painful sting and reaction can occur.

Basic treatment

apply a cold compress to relieve the pain

Bees
A painful, burning feeling occurs straight away, with some swelling around the bite. The swelling from a bee sting is usually worse the next day. Some people may have an allergic reaction to the sting. If this happens, quick medical attention is needed.

Basic treatment

remove the sting by scooping it off with a finger nail
do not squeeze
bathe the area and apply ice to reduce the swelling (do not apply ice to the eye area)
mix soluble aspirin or Disprin with water to make a paste and put it on the sting to help the pain
seek medical attention straight away if an allergic reaction occurs

Snakes
There are many venomous snakes in Australia. Most bites do not result in death. However, snakes should not be disturbed at any time.

Basic treatment

immediately apply a broad, firm bandage around the limb to cover the bite
bandage the whole limb. Use a crepe bandage or any other flexible material (eg. clothing or old towels torn into strips)
keep the limb as still as possible. Use a splint made of timber or any other hard object
if possible, bring transport to the victim
try to notice the colour and markings on the snake do not wash the bitten area as the venom on the skin may be used to identify the snake

Jelly fish
Most stings are quite painful and irritating. A rash may occur. Blue bottle stings leave a whip-like, red, wavy line on the skin from the tentacle.

Basic treatment:

clear away the tentacles with water
apply cold packs or ice for 15 minutes or buy local anaesthetic cream from the chemist
if the sting is still painful, reapply cold packs or ice for 15 minutes
if pain continues, seek medical advice

Octopus
The blue-ringed octopus is dangerous if it bites. The poison in the bite needs immediate attention as it may cause paralysis. Children should be taught not to touch these creatures

Basic treatment:
take the patient to a hospital
resuscitation will be needed if breathing stops
resuscitation should be continued until medical services are available

First aid courses
It is very important to know what to do in an emergency. First aid can save lives and prevent serious injuries. For information about first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) courses contact

Australian Red Cross Society Tel: (02) 9229 4100
St John Ambulance Tel: (02) 9212 1088