Spider Bite First Aid Management: Recognise the Signs and Symptoms and how to treat effectively
A Spider Bite can range from a minor nuisance to a serious health concern Knowing how to identify symptoms and provide basic first aid can make a difference in recovery. This Spider Bite First Aid Management Fact Sheet covers essential first aid steps and when to seek medical help after a spider bite.
Signs & Symptoms:
General symptoms
- sharp pain at bite site
- profuse sweating
- nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain.
Additional symptoms of a Funnel Web Spider Bite
- copious secretion of saliva
- muscular twitching and breathing difficulty
- small hairs stand on end
- numbness around mouth
- copious tears
- disorientation
- fast pulse
- markedly increased blood pressure
- confusion leading to unconsciousness.
Additional symptoms of a Redback Spider bite
- intense local pain which increases and spreads
- small hairs stand on end
- patchy sweating
- headache muscle weakness or spasms.
Possible signs and symptoms of other spider bites
- burning sensation
- swelling
- blistering.
What to do:
First aid for Funnel-web / Mouse spider: pressure bandage & immobilise
- Follow DRSABCD.
- Call triple zero (000) for an ambulance.
- Lie the patient down and ask them to keep still. Reassure the patient.
- If on a limb, apply an elasticised roller bandage (10–15 cm wide) over the bite site as soon as possible.
- Apply a further elasticised roller bandage (10–15 cm wide), starting just above the fingers or toes and moving upwards on the bitten limb as far as can be reached. Use clothing or other material if an elasticised roller bandage is not available. Apply the bandage as firmly as possible to the limb. You should be unable to easily slide a finger between the bandage and the skin.
- Immobilise the bandaged limb using splints.
- Keep the patient lying down and completely still (immobilised).
- Write down the time of the bite and when the bandage was applied. If possible, mark the location of the bite site (if known) on the skin with a pen, or photograph the site. Do not wash venom off the skin or clothes because it may assist identification.
- Stay with the patient until medical aid arrives.
First aid for Redback and other spider bites
- Wash the injured site with soap and water.
- Apply a cold pack to the bitten or stung area for 15 minutes and reapply if pain continues.
- Seek medical attention if the patient develops severe symptoms.
In a medical emergency call Triple Zero (000) You could save a life with First Aid Training