First Response:

Stay calm! Nothing good ever came from panicking. While this is not your normal instinct, try your best  to see what it was the stung/bit you. If possible, without putting yourself in further danger, kill the spider (this is too dangerous if an animal) and bring it with you to the hospital. Knowing what caused the sting/bite can often speed up the treatment. 

If you are bitten or stung by something you suspect to be poisonous, call the Australian-wide Poisons Information Centres: 131 126. Seek first aid help immediately, stay calm, and remain as immobile as possible.

The species that you need to look out for are:

• All Australian snakes, including sea snakes 
• (mainly Beaked Sea Snake, Brown Snake & Tiger Snake)
• All Australian Spiders
• (mainly Funnel Web Spider, Red Back Spider & White Tailed Spider)
• Blue Ringed Octopus
• Cone Shell mollusk 
• Box jellyfish
• Irukandji Jellyfish
• Lionfish
• Stone Fish

For all other bites and stings, seek or apply basic first aid:

• wash with soap and water, apply antiseptic
• ensure tetanus vaccination is up to date
• apply ice pack
• pain relief may be requires
• seek medical advice is symptoms develop of show signs of infection

FAQ

Emergency Information | Medicare | Doctors

Dangerous Marine Animals | Sun Safety | Bush Safety | Beach Safety | Travel Safety