22 December 2006

Brush up on first aid for bites and stings this summer

NSW Minister for Health John Hatzistergos today urged the community to learn simple first aid techniques in case of a bite or sting this summer.

"There are many types of bites and stings that each require a different approach to treatment," Mr Hatzistergos said.

"For example, while blue-bottle stings are generally not fatal, they can be extremely painful. If someone is stung, the best treatment is to clear the tentacles away with water and apply a cold pack or ice for 15 minutes. Victims should also seek professional medical treatment.

"If a person is stung by a blue-ringed octopus, it is quite dangerous because the poison can cause paralysis, so recommended treatment in this instance is to take the patient straight to hospital," he said.

Mr Hatzistergos said while summer can encourage people to get outdoors and enjoy nature, it could expose the community to the dangers of the bush including spiders and snakes.

"Understanding the correct first aid for a snake or spider bite can mean the difference between life and death."

One of the Iemma Government's State Plan priorities is to reduce avoidable hospital admissions.

Mr Hatzistergos said first aid procedures for snake and spider bites include:

• Place a firm bandage to the limb commencing at the bite site, then going down to the fingers or toes and then up to the limb to the hip or shoulder - use whatever material is available including clothing as bandages
• 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
• Call 000 once First Aid has been applied.

"In the case of a snake or spider bite, it is vital the bite victim receives appropriate first aid immediately. This should done as a priority before calling for expert help," he said.

"Of course, prevention is better than cure. When it comes to avoiding a snake or spider bite the best advice is simply to leave snakes and spiders alone," he said.

Mr Hatzistergos said that in approximately 80 per cent of snakebite incidents seen in hospitals, people are bitten when they attempt to either catch or kill a snake.

Brown Snakes and Tiger Snakes cause the majority of snakebites in Australia. The most dangerous spiders in NSW are the Funnel Web, Mouse Spider and the Red Back, which can all cause serious illness and can be fatal.

The table below shows the number of emergency department (ED) visits for bites and stings (insects, snakes and spiders) in NSW for the year to December.

For a range of health information, go online to www.health.nsw.gov.au