Now that’s biting talk

By Dr Dorothy Coote
Two editions ago, we learned about nasty biters and stingers. This series continues.
Marine stings
Australia has a number of venomous marine animals.

Box jellyfish
The most dangerous of these, found in summer northern waters. If possible, wear a lycra stinger suit when swimming in northern Australian waters and do not swim in the ocean in these waters during stinger season. Rapid death can occur after stinging.

Box jellyfish first aid
Remove victim from the water, apply vinegar to sting site and apply a cold pack. For major stings, apply a vinegar-soaked pressure-immobilisation bandage, after applying vinegar to the tentacles.

Most netted beaches have information signs with instructions on emergency procedures and pictures for easy identification of the venomous marine creature.

These stings often require treatment in the hospital intensive care unit.

Irukandji jellyfish
These creatures are small enough to fit through nets protecting beaches.

Irukandji jellyfish first aid
The patient usually does not experience severe symptoms until 30 minutes after the initial slight sting.
Initial symptoms are severe waves of low back pain, limb cramps, abdominal and chest muscle cramps.

Reassure the victim and encourage him/her to rest. Flood the sting site with vinegar and apply pressure-immobilisation vinegar-soaked bandage to the limb.

Bluebottles
Bluebottles usually float in swarms and often appear on our beaches when prevailing winds blow them inshore.

Bluebottle first aid
Remove the victim from the water, douse the area with seawater to remove any embedded attached tentacles, and apply a cold pack. Consult a doctor if severe pain or allergic symptoms occur.

Blue ringed octopus
These creatures bite when contact is made with skin.

Blue ringed octopus first aid
Remove victim from the water, apply a pressure immobilisation bandage, and airway support if required. Urgent transport to hospital is usually required.

Stonefish
Stonefish injure the sole of the foot when accidentally stepped on. Check how many spines have penetrated the skin, as this helps in calculating antivenom treatment.

Stonefish first aid
Immerse in hot but not scalding water and transport to hospital.

Cone shells
Cone shells fire venom-tipped points into the victim. Paralysis follows a mild stinging sensation. Never pick up a live cone shell.

Cone shells first aid
First aid includes rest and reassurance of the victim, pressure immobilisation of the limb, expired air resuscitation (if required), and transport to hospital.

Spiders and spider bites
Our Funnel Web spiders are among the most dangerous in the world. All 40 species are dangerous, but only 10 per cent of bites cause significant effects.

If the bite site is very painful and effects develop rapidly (tingling lips, twitching of the tongue, dribbling, goose bumps, sweating, nausea, vomiting, headache, rapid heart rate and high blood pressure, trouble breathing and mental confusion and coma). Antivenom is the only treatment. The common mouse spider appears to be similar to the funnel web and responds to funnel web antivenom.

Funnel web/mouse spider first aid
Apply a pressure immobilisation bandage over the bite and extend over the affected limb (as for snake bite). Take the victim at once to hospital

Red-back spiders can cause a painful bite, but are rarely fatal.

Red-back first aid
Apply a cold pack to relieve pain and discomfort, followed by urgent assessment at hospital.

Antivenom is safe and effective – given if symptoms worsen over the first hour. Severe crushing chest pain and abdominal pain may also occur. Other biting spiders include the black house spider and huntsman. These bites rarely require treatment, except if secondary infection occurs, but occasionally more severe reactions can occur, including intense pain, headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting and skin effects.