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Australian Bites & Stings: First Aid Guide to Australian Venomous Creatures

Australian Bites & Stings: First Aid Guide to Australian Venomous Creatures

Australia is home to some of the world’s most venomous creatures! Would you know what to do in an emergency situation if you, or someone with you is bitten or stung by a venomous snake, spider, jellyfish or another aquatic creature or creepy crawly?

Recent consumer research has revealed that while most people might think they know what to do when applying first aid for a venomous bite or sting in Australia, knowledge was often outdated or incorrect. And, it’s important to get it right. Applying the correct first aid in the moments between getting bitten or stung by a venomous creature and receiving professional medical care is critical – it could even be the difference between life or death. Fortunately, deaths due to venomous bites and stings are rare in Australia. However, it’s important to apply the appropriate first aid and seek urgent medical care to help improve a victim’s outcome.

That’s why this year, CSL Seqirus is working with experts and partners to call on all Australians to take the time to be prepared and learn the correct application of first aid for venomous bites and stings from Australian creatures.
 

Read the Take the Sting out of Summer Press Release here

Read the open letter to Australians venturing outdoors this summer
co-badged with our partners here

We are lucky to call Australia home and have such a magnificent, big backyard. Before you explore, take some time to learn about appropriate first aid and the venomous creatures that also call this country home – download the Australian Bites & Stings App.

For further information on bites or stings, please talk to your doctor.

Australian bites & stings

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Download the FREE Australian Bites & Stings app and be prepared before you head out into Australia’s great outdoors!

The App features:

  • First Aid instructions on what to do if bitten or stung by a venomous creature.
  • A step-by-step guide to DRSABCD and the Pressure Immobilisation Technique, including expert commentary on why it’s important.
  • Information and pictures of venomous snakes, spiders, aquatic creatures, jellyfish and creepy crawlies, with maps showing how they may be approximately distributed around Australia.
  • ‘Be Prepared’, ‘Bush Safety’ and ‘Beach Safety’ information with a checklist of some essentials for when you venture out.
  • Audio resuscitation guide.
  • Emergency services call button.

Plus the content of the App is available even if you don’t have network coverage – useful if you’re in remote locations.

Please note: Information contained in this guide has been designed to provide assistance for the general public on Australian venomous creatures. This guide is specific to Australian fauna, and is based on local resuscitation and envenoming first aid management guidelines published by the Australian Resuscitation Council (ARC). The information provided is to be used as a reference only and not intended as a substitute for professional first aid training and techniques.

Call 000 to seek urgent medical advice or assistance.

Download the FREE Australian Bites & Stings App and be prepared before you head out into Australia’s great outdoors!

The App has been prepared for Australians by CSL Seqirus with funding from The Australian Government and the expert guidance of our key partners across the country. It’s only possible thanks to the partnerships and efforts of all the people who have contributed to creating and reviewing its content since it was launched in 2013.