First Aid For Australian Spider Bites
Australian Spider Bites
Spiders are the stuff of nightmares for many people, and it’s easy to see why. With their eight legs and sharp fangs, these creepy crawlers can cause serious harm if they decide to attack. And in Australia, where some of the deadliest spiders on Earth call home, it pays to know how to handle a bite from one of these venomous arachnids.
In this blog post, we’re going to walk you through everything you need to know about first aid for Australian spider bites – so whether you’re an Aussie local or planning a trip Down Under, you’ll be prepared for anything!
We cover spider bite first aid in two of our most popular courses:
How dangerous are Australian spiders?
There are two most common types of Australian spiders that pose a threat to humans: the funnel-web spider and the redback spider. The funnel-web spider is considered to be the most dangerous spider in the world, and its venom can kill a human within 15 minutes if left untreated. The redback spider’s venom is not as deadly, but it can still cause serious illness or death if not treated promptly.
Both of these spiders are found in urban areas, so it’s important to be aware of them if you’re living in or visiting Australia. If you’re bitten by either type of spider, it’s important to seek medical help immediately.
A Sydney Funnel web spider is the most deadly. Their fangs can pierce through a fingernail and have been reported to have caused 13 known deaths.
What do I do if I get bitten by a spider?
If you are bitten by a spider, the first thing you should do is remain calm. If the bite is causing you pain, swelling, or difficulty breathing, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. If you are not having any of these reactions, there are a few things you can do at home to treat the bite:
- Wash the area with soap and water
- Apply a cool compress to the area
- Elevate the affected limb if possible
- Take an over-the-counter pain reliever such as ibuprofen
If you develop any serious symptoms after being bitten by a spider, it is important to seek medical attention right away.
Will a funnel web spider bite kill me?
Yes, a funnel web spider bite can kill you. However, there have been no reported fatalities from funnel-web spider bites in Australia since the introduction of antivenom in 1981. If you are bitten by a funnel web spider, it is important to seek medical attention immediately as the venom can cause serious illness or death.
What are the first aid steps for a spider bite?
If you think you or someone else may have been bitten by a spider, it is important to remain calm and follow these first aid steps:
1. Apply a cold pack to the area for 10 minutes to help reduce swelling.
2. If the bite is on a limb, elevate the limb to reduce swelling.
3. Wash the area with soap and water. Apply a bandage if necessary.
4. Seek medical attention as soon as possible if the person experiences any of the following symptoms: shortness of breath, difficulty swallowing, drooling, chest pain, abdominal pain, muscle weakness, paralysis, or an irregular heartbeat
- Apply a pressure immobilisation bandage if the patient starts with any of the above symptoms or you can identify the spider as a poisonous species.
Learn more in our first aid courses where we cover first aid for venomous bites and stings.
What does a red back spider look like?
Red back spiders are one of the most commonly seen spiders in Australia. They are easily identified by their red and black markings, and are often found in residential areas. The venom of a red back spider is highly toxic to humans, and can cause serious medical problems if not treated promptly.
Symptoms of a red back spider bite include intense pain, swelling, and nausea. If you suspect that you or someone else has been bitten by a red back spider, it is important to seek medical help immediately.
Is a spider bite painful?
When it comes to Australian spiders, there is no one definitive answer to the question of whether or not their bites are painful. Different people will have different experiences, and even the same person may have different experiences from one spider bite to the next.
That being said, there are certain Australian spiders whose bites are generally considered to be more painful than others. For example, the Sydney funnel web spider is notorious for having a particularly painful bite. If you’re unlucky enough to be bitten by one of these spiders, you can expect to experience severe pain, swelling, and even paralysis in some cases.
If you are bitten by a less venomous spider, such as the white-tailed spider, you should still seek medical attention if the bite is causing pain or swelling. Most bites from less venomous spiders will not be serious, but it is always best to err on the side of caution and get checked out by a doctor.
Can you have anaphylaxis to a spider bite?
Yes, you can have anaphylaxis to a spider bite. Anaphylaxis is a reaction that can occur when your body comes into contact with a substance that it is allergic to. In the case of a spider bite, this could be the venom from the spider.
Anaphylaxis can occur very quickly after exposure to the allergen and can be life-threatening. Symptoms of anaphylaxis include swelling of the face, lips or throat; difficulty breathing; wheezing; hives; and itching. If you experience any of these symptoms after being bitten by a spider, it is important to seek medical attention immediately as you may need emergency treatment.
Do you still use tourniquet’s for spider bites?
Kind of. We use bandages and perform PIT, which is the pressure immobilisation technique. This helps to stop the venom reaching the circulation via the lymph nodes.
Whats PIT? (Pressure immobilastion technique)
PIT, or pressure immobilisation technique, is a first aid method that can be used for bites from Australian spiders. It involves applying a firm bandage over the bite site and the surrounding area to help prevent the spread of venom. This should be done as soon as possible after the bite occurs.
PIT is not recommended for use with bites from other types of insects or animals, as it can actually cause more harm than good. If you are unsure whether or not a bite warrants PIT treatment, seek medical advice from a qualified healthcare professional.
It is performed by applying one elasticated bandage directly over the bite then another larger elasticated bandage from tips of fingers to armpit or tip of toes to the groin. You should not be able to fit your finger under the bandage.
Do I need to call an ambulance if I get bitten by a spider?
It depends if you know that it is a deadly spider species that has bitten you, then yes, you do need to call an ambulance. If you are not sure what has bitten you but are only having a localsised reaction, it is still important to seek medical attention if you are concerned. A spider bite can be extremely painful and can cause swelling, redness, and itching. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, you should see a doctor as soon as possible.
Do I take the spider to hospital with me?
If you are bitten by a spider and are not sure if it is venomous, it is best to err on the side of caution and not try to catch or antagonise the spider. If you can get a picture, that would be most helpful but if you are experiencing symptoms staright away, it is more important to get to hospital.
A photo, if possible, will allow the medical staff to properly identify the spider and treat you accordingly. If the spider is not venomous, you will likely just need some simple pain relief and cold compress for the bite. However, if the spider is venomous, you will need more specific and possibly life-saving treatment.
No, first aid is not the same for all spider bites. Depending on the type of spider, the venom can vary in strength and symptoms. For example, the venom of a brown recluse spider is more potent than that of a black widow spider. As such, different first aid measures may need to be taken.
What happens after a spider bites you?
After being bitten by a spider, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. If the bite is from a venomous spider, such as a funnel-web spider, the person will need antivenom. Other treatments for less venomous spider bites include ice or cold packs to reduce swelling and pain medication for discomfort.
If you’ve been unlucky enough to be bitten by a spider, the first thing you should do is remain calm. Take a close look at the bite and try to identify the type of spider. In Australia, there are two types of spiders that can cause serious harm: the funnel web spider and the redback spider. If you’re not sure which type of spider has bitten you, seek medical attention immediately.
If you know for certain that you’ve been bitten by a funnel web spider, follow these steps:
1. Apply the pressure immobilisation technique
2. Keep the bite area below heart level to help slow the spread of venom.
3. Seek medical attention immediately – even if you don’t feel any symptoms, funnel web bites can be deadly.
If you know for certain that you’ve been bitten by a redback spider, follow these steps:
1. Apply firm pressure to the bite with a bandage or clean cloth.
2. Immobilise the affected limb with a splint if possible.
3. Seek medical attention immediately – redback bites can be very painful and may cause serious illness in some people
Want more? We’ve got you covered…
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FREE GUIDE: Introducing Common Allergy Foods & Allergic Reactions
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