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Beware of creepy crawlies afoot this summer (northern)
January 7, 2008
Before you kick off the shoes and get ready to relax this summer, take a moment to consider the creepy crawlies which are also coming out to play.
January is the prime time for snake and spider bites. On average across NSW, there are more than 1,000 presentations to emergency departments each January from snake and spider bites, with the majority of these coming from rural and coastal areas.
Summer is not only the time that the creepy crawlies are out and about, but also the time when most Australians spend time outdoors and are least likely to be wearing shoes.
People living in bushfire danger areas need to be especially wary of snakes and spiders in the event of a fire because animals may be frightened out of their natural habitat and into people’s homes.
The Director of Emergency Services at Tamworth Hospital, Nick Ryan, has urged families to learn how to respond to snake and spider bites quickly and properly, and to seek medical attention if they occur.
“Applying first aid quickly is crucial and can help save the life of someone who has been bitten by a snake or spider,” Dr Ryan said.
He said by far the greatest number of bites occur on arms and legs.
“Understanding the correct first aid is vital for treating a snake bite and can sometimes make the difference between life and death,” he said.
The bites from snakes, funnel web spiders and mouse spiders, all require the same first aid, because the way the poison spreads through the body. The procedure is:
• Call 000
• Place a firm bandage to the limb (arm or leg) commencing at the bite site, then wrapping down to the fingers or toes and then up to the limb to the hip or shoulder
• Keep the limb still
• Bring transport to the patient
• The patient should not attempt to walk or run
• Under no circumstances should the bandage be removed until the patient has reached hospital
The first aid for Red Back spider bite is to apply an ice pack and seek medical attention.
The first aid for blue bottle stings is immersion in hot water (45 degrees Celsius) for 20 minutes or where this is not available using a hot shower to warm the sting.
Dr Ryan said avoiding bites from the everyday mosquito is also very important with the seasonal increase in the number of cases of Ross River Fever and Barmah Forest Virus.
Contact: Emma Gibbs
Phone: 6767 7137 or 0428 114 767
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