For any snake bite (including sea snakes), funnel-web spider and mouse spider bites, blue-ringed octopus bite, cone shell sting
See the snake bite fact sheet |
Pressure bandaging and immobilisation
- If the bite or sting is on a limb, apply a broad pressure bandage (crepe preferred) over the bite site.
- Apply a firm heavy crepe or elasticised roller bandage (10–15 centimetres wide) starting just above the fingers or toes, and moving upwards on the bitten limb as far as can be reached.
- Apply the bandage as tightly as possible to the limb.
- Immobilise the bandaged limb using splints.
- Seek medical aid.
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| For Box jellyfish; Irukandji, Morbakka and Jimble jellyfish, or other tropical jellyfish sting |
Vinegar
- Immediately flood the entire stung area with lots of vinegar for at least 30 seconds. DO NOT use fresh water. If pain relief is required, apply a cold pack only after vinegar has been applied.
- Urgently seek medical aid at a hospital if symptoms are severe.
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| For Bluebottle and other nontropical jellyfish stings; stinging fish (eg stonefish, lionfish, bullrout); stingray, crown-of-thorns starfish, sea urchin.
DO NOT use on suspected Box jellyfish or Irukandji stings. |
Hot water
- Check the water to ensure it is as hot as you can comfortably tolerate before treating the patient.
- Place the stung area in hot water for 20 minutes—help patient under a hot shower, place a stung hand or foot in hot water, or pour hot water over the stung area. Do not burn the patient.
- Remove briefly before reimmersing.
- Continue this cycle if pain persists.
- Urgently seek medical aid at a hospital if symptoms are severe.
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| For red-back spider or other spider bite; bee, wasp or ant sting; scorpion or centipede sting; jellyfish sting |
Cold pack
- Apply a cold pack to the bitten or stung area for 15 minutes and reapply if pain continues.
- The cold pack should be changed when necessary to maintain the same level of coldness.
- See medical aid if the pain worsens.
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