Bites & Stings Venomous bites and stings are a type of injected poison. Many of Australia’s creatures are particularly poisonous, with eleven of the world’s twelve most venomous snakes residing here. As for general poisoning, prevention is better than cure, so take care when in an area frequented by snakes and spiders, and treat venomous sea creatures with respect.


Snakes Australia’s venomous snakes are regarded as dangerous because they frequently come in contact with humans.

Generally, the snakes with the most feared reputation is the variety of Brown Snakes. These snakes, as well as Tiger Snakes, and the Taipan are responsible for most of the fatal encounters with humans. Black Snakes and Death Adders are also dangerous and are known to have caused deaths. Anti-venom is generally available for all species.

In most cases, the snake strikes swiftly and injects venom below the surface of the skin into the tissues, which is then absorbed by 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. Only rarely does the venom penetrate directly into the blood stream. As the venom is contained within the lymphatic system, the ‘John Wayne Method’ of slashing the wound and sucking vigorously, is of no value, and should not be used under any circumstances.

Should you see a snake, LEAVE IT ALONE – DO NOT attempt to kill it as all snakes are protected by law, and besides, the creature will defend itself vigorously. Stay clear of likely habitats, and always pay special attention to young children playing near long grass and bush. Research suggests that only around 15% of people struck by poisonous snakes are envenomated, but always treat for the worst case, and assume that venom has been injected.

• puncture marks, or parallel scratches on the skin – rarely any pain
• anxiety
• pale, cool skin with progressive onset of sweating
• rapid, weak pulse
• rapid, shallow breathing
• breathing difficulties
• blurred vision, drooping eyelids
• difficulty swallowing and speaking
• abdominal pain
• nausea and/or vomiting
• headache
• collapse – progressing to a comatose state

• ensure safety
• reassure and rest the casualty
• call ambulance urgently
• apply direct pressure over the bitten area
• obtain a history
• apply a pressure immobilisation bandage (PIB) starting from over the bite site, and then wind as far up the limb as possible to the armpit or groin
• apply a second PIB commencing at the fingers or toes of the bitten limb and wind as far up the limb as possible to the armpit or groin
• immobilise the limb with a splint
• send any evidence of the snake to the hospital only if safe to do so.
• avoid washing the bitten area, as a venom sample may be obtained
• avoid elevating the limb
• DO NOT use an arterial tourniquet
• DO NOT remove the bandage and splint once it has been applied
• DO NOT try to capture the snake
• DO NOT cut the bitten area
• DO NOT suck the bitten area

The main treatment for a snake bite is the application of a ‘pressure immobilisation bandage’. This bandage is applied as firmly as bandaging a sprained ankle, and is designed to slow the movement of venom through the lymphatic system which helps to slow or prevent the venom from leaving the bite site.


Spiders

Funnel Web Spiders The Sydney Funnel Web spider is considered to be the most venomous spider in the world. It is found in the NSW coastal zone from Nelson’s Bay to Nowra. Its habitat is under rocks and houses, in a web-lined burrow. The spider is very aggressive and will attack at the slightest provocation. Despite its fearsome reputation, there are only 14 recorded deaths due to funnel web spider bite. However, when the spider does inject a dangerous quantity of venom, the effects can be rapid and severe, and death within an hour may occur. A second type of spider called the Bush (or Blue Mountains) Funnel Web is also recorded as being responsible for fatal bites. Its habitat ranges over most of the NSW coast and the Great Dividing Range. This creature lives in trees behind the bark, or in holes in the trunk. Other types of related spiders such as the Northern and Southern Tree Dwelling species, are suspected of similar venom potency, and are found mostly along the south eastern area of Australia. There are at least 37 species of funnel web spiders. All are medium to large, robust spiders, mostly dark or black in colour, with stout legs and large fangs. Males search for female mates, a process which may increase the chance of unwanted interaction with people, as they may get underfoot, or into shoes or clothing left on or near the floor. The funnel web will bite repeatedly if in contact with the skin, and when bitten by the funnel web spider the venom enters the body similarly to that of snakes. Anti-venom is available.

• pain at the site of the bite
• pale, cool skin
• tingling or numbness around the mouth
• rapid, weak pulse
• rapid onset of breathing difficulties
• nausea
• vomiting
• abdominal pain
• profuse sweating
• copious production of saliva and pulmonary fluids
• mental confusion
• collapse – coma – death

• treat as for snakebite

Red-back Spiders This spider with the telltale red or orange mark on its thorax is the female of the species. The Red-Back spider is common all over Australia, and its preferred habitat is under any old building material, or inside sheds and garages. The spider’s bite is not generally regarded as fatal, although there are recorded deaths prior to the introduction of the anti-venom. Less than 20% of bites actually result in significant envenomation, but generally, the bite is very painful, and causes distress.

• intense pain at the site of the bite
• may be localised redness, swelling and sweating
• nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain
• rapid pulse
• loss of co-ordination
• tremors and muscle spasms
• rapid, shallow breathing

• reassure
• obtain history
• cold compress to relieve pain
• observe casualty for any sign of deterioration

Other Spiders Other spiders that have been associated with venomous bites are the White-Tailed Spider, Trapdoor Spider and Wolf Spider. The bite of these spiders causes tissue necrosis, the death of the tissue around the bitten area. A doctor should treat bites from these spiders and assess the bitten area over a period of time to observe for any detrimental effects.

Ticks Only the Australian paralysis tick or ‘scrub tick’ causes envenomation in humans. Ticks are capable of spreading diseases eg Scrub Typhus. Ticks can be found anywhere on the body, but hairy areas, skin clefts and crevices should be examined carefully.

• local irritation
• lethargy
• muscle weakness, especially in children
• unsteady gait
• double vision
• difficulty in swallowing or breathing
• rarely allergic reactions occur:
  • rapid local swelling
  • wheezing and difficulty breathing
  • collapse

Signs and symptoms generally develop over several days but allergic symptoms can occur within hours.

• reassure
• if the victim has a history or signs of allergy:
• use pressure immobilisation if possible
• seek medical advice immediately
• slide the open blades of sharp pointed tweezers on each side of the tick and lever it upwards
• always check the whole body of the victim, including the ears, skin creases and hair for further ticks
• after removal of a tick the victim should be advised to see a doctor to check that no further treatment is required.
• avoid squeezing the tick because even slight pressure may inject more venom

Bees Bee stings for most people is only a temporary irritation. For others however, these stings have the potential to cause death.

The venom associated with bee stings causes a severe allergic reaction in susceptible people, and can cause respiratory and cardiac arrest.

• evidence of bee sting with the barb present
• pain and itching at the site
• swelling of the stung area
• in allergic casualties:
  • onset of wheezing and breathing difficulties
  • facial swelling and hives
  • rapid pulse
  • collapse

• reassure
• remove bee sting by scraping with fingernail or similar
• cold compress to reduce swelling and pain
• if onset of allergic reaction:
  • pressure immobilisation bandage
  • call ‘Triple Zero (000)’ for an ambulance
• avoid squeezing or touching the barb

European Wasp This introduced insect has been associated with some deaths. The European Wasp is coloured yellow and black, with stripes similar to those of a bee. The yellow stripes are brighter in colour than those on a bee, and the insect is slightly larger.

The insect is attracted to aromatic or sweet-tasting things, and will enter food containers such as open soft-drink cans. The creature will then sting when inadvertently handled, and can sting multiple times. Similar to bees, the wasps become aggressive when their nest is disturbed.

• severe pain at the affected site
• immediate swelling, especially if the throat has been stung
• breathing difficulties

• call ‘Triple Zero (000)’ for an ambulance or see own doctor
• reassure
• cold compress to reduce swelling and pain
• if onset of allergic reaction;
  • pressure immobilisation bandage over affected limb(s)
  • call ambulance urgently
• rescue breaths if respiratory arrest

Fire Ants Fire ants appear similar to ordinary house or garden ants. They are small, coppery-brown in colour on the head and body, with a darker abdomen.

Fire ants nests have no obvious entry or exit holes at the top of the nest.

A distinguishing feature of fire ants is their aggressive behaviour, particularly near the nest and the variety of sizes within one nest, ranging from 2 – 6 mm.

• Fire ants inflict a fiery sting, which causes a small blister to form at the site of each sting after several hours. The blisters become itchy while healing and are prone to infection if broken
• pain, burning and itching at the site
• swelling of the stung area
• in allergic casualties:
  • onset of wheezing and breathing difficulties
  • facial swelling and hives
  • rapid pulse
  • collapse

• reassure
• cold compress to reduce swelling and pain
• gently wash the affected area with soap and water
• leave the blisters intact
• if onset of allergic reaction:
  • pressure immobilisation bandage
  • call ‘Triple Zero (000)’ for an ambulance

Scorpions In Australia there are over 100 species of scorpion and they can be found in a wide variety of habitats all over the country. Australian scorpions can give a painful sting but are not considered dangerous.

• pain and itching at the site
• swelling of the stung area
• in allergic casualties;
  • onset of wheezing and breathing difficulties
  • facial swelling and hives
  • rapid pulse
  • collapse

• reassure
• cold compress to reduce swelling and pain
• if onset of allergic reaction;
  • pressure immobilisation bandage
  • call ‘Triple Zero (000)’ for an ambulance

Sea creatures Many sea creatures are venomous, and the best way to avoid envenomation is to avoid the creatures. As an example, don’t pick up or handle creatures washed up on the beach or in rock pools, and don’t swim where Box Jellyfish or the Portuguese Man-of-War are prevalent.

Box Jellyfish The Box Jellyfish, also known as ‘Stingers’, are prevalent in the north of Australia during the season from November to March. These creatures are deadly, and are responsible for many fatal encounters.

Warning signs at popular beaches should be complied with, and extreme care taken at unpatrolled locations. Respect local knowledge.

• immediate severe pain, with irrational behaviour because of the pain
• rapid, irregular pulse
• frosted pattern of sting marks
• collapse
• respiratory arrest
• cardiac arrest

• call ‘Triple Zero (000)’ for an ambulance and call lifesavers urgently
• reassure
• restrain anyone from rubbing the sting
• apply liberal quantities of vinegar for a minimum of 30 seconds
• dry cold compress to relieve pain
• rescue breaths and/or CPR as required

‘Irukandji Syndrome' Irukandji syndrome is caused by Irukandji jellyfish such as the Carukia barnesi, and are small, transparent jellyfish about 25 mm across the body or ‘bell’ with a single tentacle from each corner of its box-shaped body. Irukandji jellyfish are found along coastal beaches as well as offshore and appear to be restricted to waters between the Tropic of Capricorn and the northern tip of Torres Strait. They are mainly prevalent between November and May each year.

• minor pain initially, the pain increases over time (5-60 minutes) to severe
• shooting pains in chest and abdomen muscles
• lower back pain
• restlessness and anxiety
• collapse
• coma

• call ‘Triple Zero (000)’ for an ambulance and call lifesavers urgently
• reassure
• restrain anyone from rubbing the stung area
• gently apply a vinegar soaked pad to the stung area for a minimum of 30 seconds

Stonefish The Stonefish is virtually invisible among rocks. The creature has venomous spines on its back that it erects when threatened or stepped on. This fish lives in the tropical regions, and as far south as Forster/Tuncurry in NSW.

• severe pain at the site of envenomation
• swelling
• open wound and/or bleeding
• irrational behaviour
• rapid pulse
• breathing difficulties
• collapse – coma

• reassure
• call ‘Triple Zero (000)’ for an ambulance
• HOT water immersion of the site to relieve pain – ensure that the water will not scald the casualty
• rescue breaths and/or CPR as required

Blue-Ringed Octopus The Blue-Ringed Octopus is an attractive little creature that lives in rock pools on the shores of Australia.
When threatened, the creature ‘pulses’ luminous bright blue rings on its body. Its bite is painless, and will only occur if the creature is handled.

• a spot of blood
• numb feeling of the face and tongue
• progressive weakness in the legs and body
• eventual collapse
• respiratory arrest

• reassure
• pressure immobilisation bandage
• call ambulance urgently
• rescue breaths as required

Cone Shell The Cone Shell is a variegated shell, usually brown and white, which is common on tropical beaches. The shell contains a dagger-like spine, which can inject toxin into any unwary person who handles the creature.

• a spot of blood
• numb feeling of the face and tongue
• progressive weakness in the legs and body
• eventual collapse
• respiratory arrest

• as for Blue-ringed Octopus

Portuguese Man-of-War (‘Bluebottle') The Portuguese Man-of-War, or ‘Bluebottle’, found on most beaches in Australia, is really a colony of small creatures living as one.

The creatures have small stinging cells which, when encountered as a group, impart a venomous sting. People who are susceptible to bee sting are usually sensitive to Bluebottle venom.

• ‘trails’ of blue ‘tentacles’ adhering to the body or limbs
• stinging sensation associated with the contact
• reddening of the skin
• pain for some hours
• may cause severe allergic reaction (rare)

• reassure
• remove the ‘tentacles’ with a copious amount of sea water
• dry cold compress to relieve pain
• call ambulance or own doctor
• if severe allergic reaction:
• call ‘Triple Zero (000)’ for an ambulance

Sea Snakes Sea snakes may grow to be several metres in length, and are found mainly in warmer waters. They appear similar to land snakes, but have flatter tails.

• relatively painless
• drowsiness
• weakness
• nausea and vomiting
• breathing difficulties
• visual disturbances

• as for snakebite

Fish Stings Many fish, such as the flathead and the stingray, have poisonous spines that can inject venom deep in to the unwary victim, causing excruciating pain. Handle all fish with care, avoiding the spinous areas along the backbone and around the gills. Constant handling of fish may cause skin irritation due to the fluids and secretions of the fish oils.

• intense pain at the site
• swelling
• bleeding
• often a grey/bluish discolouration at the site
• there may be an open wound or barb in the skin
• irrational behaviour or panic may occur

• reassure
• HOT water immersion of the site to relieve pain or apply a hot compress
  • ensure that the water will not scald the casualty
• if heat does not alleviate the pain, try a cold compress for pain relief
• call ‘Triple Zero (000)’ for an ambulance or call own doctor

If handling fish without protective gloves, wash hands frequently to avoid skin problems.


Animal Bites Bites from animals, especially with sharp pointed teeth, can cause deep puncture wounds that carry germs deep into the tissues of the body. Human bites can also crush the tissues.

Any bite in which the skin is broken requires prompt first aid. Bite wounds are also prone to infection, such as tetanus, and prompt medical attention is required for all animal bites.

• pain at the bite site
• swelling
• open wound and/or bleeding
• anxiety

• reassure
• put on disposable gloves if available
• clean the wound with soap and warm water
• dry area and cover with a sterile dressing if possible
• control bleeding:
  • apply direct pressure
  • raise the injured area
• the casualty should be taken or sent to hospital

Identification and safety When someone has been poisoned, it is important to remember a detailed description of the creature which delivered the poison. In the case of snakebite, for example, this can help ensure that the correct anti-venene is given as soon as possible. Otherwise, ask the casualty or witnesses for the details which will identify the culprit.

A little sensible care can also go a long way. Walking in long grass in thongs, reaching unseen under little-used garden shelving, picking up loosely piled bricks without gardening gloves, fossicking in a dark shed without bothering to turn on a light, or crawling into your sleeping bag which you have left open and unrolled all day – all of these are recipes for a close encounter of the venomous kind. Acting hastily, without thought, can be costly.

And remember, if you have visitors who aren’t familiar with the risks, show them how to act safely in your environment.