Summer Is Here, So Are the Bites & Stings from the Australian Nasties!

Here Is What to Look for & What to Do!

Part 1 of 2 – Snakes, Funnel web spiders, Blue ring Octopus, and Cone shells

Bites and stings from venomous animals can be fatal due to the poison and the effects it has on the nervous and respiratory systems. The venom can cause an allergic reaction, respiratory failure, and cardiac arrest.

Pressure Immobilisation (Bandaging) Technique (PIT)

Venom which has been injected causes the casualty to become ill very quickly as it is circulated rapidly around the body. PIT, together with splinting, is a very effective form of management as it applies pressure directly to the bite site and the total limb slowing the rate at which the venom is transported around the body. By receiving the correct first aid treatment immediately, it is unlikely that the casualty will die.

PIT is generally used in case bites or stings cause by blue-ringed octopus, snakes, cone shell, funnel web spiders, and mouse spiders.

Applying Pressure Immobilisation Technique Bandages

Apply a broad pressure bandage over the bite site as soon as possible. Crepe bandages are ideal but any flexible material such as clothing or towels torn into strips may be used. Do not take the clothing off as it will promote the movement of venom into the blood stream. Keep the casualty (and the bitten or stung limb) still. Bandage upwards from the lower portion of the bitten or stung limb. Even though a little venom may be squeezed upwards, the bandage will be more comfortable, and therefore can be left in place for longer if required. 

• The bandage should be as tight as you would apply to a sprained ankle
• Extend the bandage as high as possible up the limb
• Apply a splint to the limb. Any rigid object may be used as a splint such as a piece of wood or tree branch, spade, and tightly rolled-up newspapers
• Bind it firmly to as much of the limb as possible
• Keep the casualty still. Lay the casualty down to prevent walking or moving around

Australian Snake Bite

Australia has the deadliest snakes in the world and particularly in children, symptoms can occur within minutes of envenomation. In adults however life threatening effects may not be seen for several hours. Any snake bite or suspected bite should be treated as serious and urgent medical attention sought as anti-venom is generally available for all species within Australia.

In most instances, a snake strikes quickly and injects venom below the surface of the skin into the tissues, which is then absorbed by the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system is a network of tubes that drains fluid (lymph) from the body's tissues and empties it back into the bloodstream. Only rarely does the venom penetrate directly into the blood stream.

Should you see a snake, LEAVE IT ALONE - DO NOT ATTEMPT TO KILL IT as all snakes are protected by law, and this can be highly dangerous. Stay clear of likely habitats, and always pay special attention to young children playing near long grass and bush. Research suggests that only around 15% of people struck by poisonous snakes are envenomated, but always treat for the worst case, and assume that venom has been injected. Although not essential it can be helpful if you have seen the snake to take a description of its colour, pattern, size and its environment. Never put yourself at risk to identify a snake and NEVER attempt to catch the snake.

Many of Australian snakes are capable of lethal bites to humans including the Black snake, Brown snake, Copperhead snake, Death Adders, Rough Scaled snake, Sea snakes, Taipan, and Tiger snake.

Signs and Symptoms You May Observe after Snake Bite

• Paired puncture marks, a single mark/scratch or parallel scratches on the skin
• Headache
• Nausea and /or vomiting
• Abdominal pain
• Occasionally, initial collapse or confusion followed by partial or complete recovery
• Blurred or double vision, or drooping eyelids
• Difficulty swallowing, speaking or breathing
• Swollen tender glands in the groin or armpit of the bitten limb
• Limb weakness or paralysis
• Respiratory weakness or respiratory arrest

Management

• Follow the DRSABCD emergency action plan
• Call 000 for an ambulance urgently
• Lay the casualty down and keep them still, reassured and under constant observation
• Apply the Pressure Immobilisation Technique to the affected bite site and limb

• DO NOT WASH the area of the bite because it is extremely important to retain traces of venom for use with venom identification kits.
• The pressure bandage is best applied initially over the bite site, then down the entire limb, then up the entire limb

• Splint the limb, including joints on either side of the bite

• Check the fingers/toes for adequate circulation
• Keep the casualty calm and at rest
• Mark the bite site on the bandage
• Monitor the casualty's pulse, breathing and levels of consciousness

Blue-Ringed Octopus and Cone Shell

In Australia Blue-Ringed Octopus can be found in all coastal waters and are often located in tidal pools. While resting, the Blue-Ringed Octopus is a pale brown to yellow colour. When threatened the blue rings on its body "light up" as a warning and it has a beak like mouth that it uses to bite. The bite is painless but should leave a spot of blood.

There are many species of cone shells found in the tropical waters of Australia. All have venom which they inject through a sharp spine if handled or trodden on.

                                                                                                                                                                                

You should never touch or handle a Blue-Ringed Octopus or a Cone Shell as their venom causes prolonged muscle weakness and if serious envenomation occurs, death from respiratory paralysis can occur within only 30 minutes.

Signs and Symptoms You May Observe after Octopus or Cone Shell Bite

• Onset of nausea
• Hazy Vision (within seconds you are blind)
• Numbness of lips and tongue, loss of speech and the ability to swallow
• Within three minutes, the progressive weakness of muscles of respiration leading to inadequate, or cessation of, breathing

Management

• Follow the DRSABCD emergency action plan
• Call 000 for an ambulance
• Keep the casualty at rest, reassure and under constant observation
• Use Pressure Immobilisation Technique
• Be prepared to commence CPR

Funnel Web Spider

Funnel-web spiders live in the moist forest regions of the east coast and highlands of Australia from Tasmania to North Queensland and are commonly found in and around Sydney. They are also found in the drier open forests of the Western Slopes of the Great Dividing Range and South Australia's Gulf Ranges.

Any bite from a Funnel-web spider that is larger than 2cm should be treated seriously and immediate medical assistance sought. If in contact with skin the Funnel-web spider will administer numerous bites to its victim. Anti-venom is available for Funnel-web spiders.

Signs and Symptoms You May Observe after Funnel Web Spider Bite

• Pain and tingling at the site of the bite
• Pale, cool, clammy skin
• Tingling and numbness around mouth
• Rapid weak pulse
• Difficulty in breathing
• Nausea and vomiting
• Profuse sweating
• Abdominal pain
• Increase in the secretion of saliva
• Confusion leading to unconsciousness

Management

• Follow the DRSABCD emergency action plan
• Call 000 for an ambulance
• Keep the casualty at rest, reassure and under constant observation
• Apply PIT
• Be prepared to commence CPR

For more information about first aid in cases of bites and stings of such animals, visit http://www.firstaidsunshinecoast.net.au/

Give First Aid: Apply for First Aid Training Course at Gympie

In today's world, there are various things that a person needs to know- and one among them is First Aid- which helps to act in any emergency situation before any medical aid arrives at the scene. Therefore, it's a necessity for every individual to learn the basics of first aid in order to provide immediate assistance to any medical emergency, preventing further injuries.

Taking into consideration Give First Aid, a training partner of Immediate Response First Aid, one of Australia's most innovative First Aid training Center introduced First Aid Training Gympie in order to handle any uneven situation/emergency condition that may arise without any prior notice. First aid training course is one of the most reliable and cost-effective training program for individuals residing in and across Gympie. There are no such pre-requisites for this unit of competency, but the candidate must be over 16 years of age. The duration of the course is 7 hours face-to-face training session, followed by a series of practical skills evaluation and written assessment.

First Aid Course in Gympie incorporates the content of units HLTAID001 Provide CPR and HLTAID002 Provide Basic Emergency Life Support. It is essential to have 100% attendance during the training session. The course competencies includes manage bleeding, manage shock, manage medical emergencies, manage extreme temperature / burns, manage poisons / bites / stings / severe allergy, manage musculoskeletal injuries, utilise first aid kits, manage wounds, establish and apply infection control procedures, assess a casualty and manage substance misuse. On successful completion of the first aid course, the candidate will receive a Statement of Attainment, which is valid for 3 years. The best part of the First Aid Training in Gympie is the interactive training session which is carried out by highly qualified and skilled training professionals. To add to this advantage is the presence of educational videos, interactive lectures and so on. The cost of the First Aid Course in Gympie is $110.00

In addition, Give First Aid has extended its training in various suburbs like Kin Kin, Cooran, Chatsworth, Goomboorian, Curra, The Palms, Pie Creek, Jones Hill, Maryborough, Murgon, Nanango, Kingaroy and Tiaro. 

For candidates interested in taking First Aid Training in and across Gympie, feel free to get in touch with us. You can call us at 1300 778 146 or email us at info@firstaidsunshinecoast.net.au. We are located at Pines Golf Club- 2 Shields Street, Gympie QLD 4570. Visit http://www.firstaidsunshinecoast.net.au/Gympie/

Give First Aid: Apply for First Aid Training Course at Gympie

Looking for First Aid Training Course at Gympie? Look No Further!! Give First Aid, a training partner of Immediate Response First Aid, one of Australia's most innovative First Aid training Center introduced First Aid Training at Gympie, offering individuals the courage to act in any emergency situation or handle any uneven situation that may arise without any prior notice. Apply First Aid Training at Gympie is a National, Work Cover Approved Certification which is valid for 3 years including first aid manual and kit, key ring face shield and emergency action plan pen.

For first aid aspirants in and across Gympie, who want to learn the fundamentals of Basic Life Support and boost their skills, First Aid Training Course (First Aid, CPR & Low Voltage Rescue) is one of the best and cost-effective solutions, as there are no such pre-requisites for this unit of competency. First Aid Courses at Gympie is launched with the intent to improve the awareness about basic first aid knowledge and encourage its use at home & workplace. The duration of the course is 7 hours face-to-face training session. Throughout the course, the candidates must demonstrate ongoing competency during a series of practical skills evaluation and written assessment. The courses competencies include manage bleeding, manage shock, manage extreme temperature / burns, manage poisons / bites / stings, manage medical emergencies, and assess a casualty and manage substance misuse.

Our training session is carried out by highly qualified and skilled training professionals that help the students easy to understand the topics and learn them quickly. On successful completion of the course, the participant will receive a Statement of Attainment. The cost of the First Aid Course in Gympie is $110.00.

The best part is that you can enroll for the course through online mode, which is quite easy, fast and reliable. Recently, Give First Aid has extended its training sessions in several suburbs like Kin Kin, Cooran, Chatsworth, Goomboorian, Curra, The Palms, Pie Creek, Jones Hill, Maryborough, Murgon, Nanango, Kingaroy and Tiaro. For candidates who are interested in taking First Aid Training in Gympie, feel free to get in touch with us. You can call us at 1300 778 146 or email us at info@firstaidsunshinecoast.net.au or alternatively visit http://www.firstaidsunshinecoast.net.au/Gympie/

Apply for First Aid Certification Courses in Caboolture

Knowledge about First Aid Certification is essential to handle any uneven situation / emergency condition that may arise without any prior notice. In-fact, first aid certification course is a lifesaving technique for infants, children and adults. Taking into consideration Give First Aid, a training partner of Immediate Response First Aid, one of Australia's most innovative First Aid training Center introduced First Aid Training in Caboolture, offering individuals the courage to act in any emergency situation.

Apply First Aid Course in Caboolture is a cost-effective solution to individuals who want to learn the fundamentals of Basic Life Support and boost their skills required to administer First Aid in case of any emergency situation  until any medical or other assistance arrive at the scene. There are no such pre-requisites for this unit of competency, but the candidate must be over 16 years of age. It incorporates the content of units HLTAID001 Provide CPR and HLTAID002 Provide Basic Emergency Life Support. The duration of the course is 7 hours face-to-face training session. It is mandatory to have 100% attendance during the course. Throughout the first aid course, the candidates must demonstrate ongoing competency during a series of practical skills evaluation and written assessment.

The course competencies includes manage bleeding, manage shock, manage medical emergencies, manage extreme temperature / burns, manage poisons / bites / stings / severe allergy, manage musculoskeletal injuries, utilise first aid kits, manage wounds, establish and apply infection control procedures, assess a casualty and manage substance misuse. Once the certification course has been completed, the candidate will have to appear for the final examination.

The best part of the course is our interactive training session which is carried out by highly qualified and skilled training professionals which helps student easy to understand the topics and learn them quickly. On successful completion of the course, the participant will receive a Statement of Attainment, which is valid for 3 years. Moreover, First Aid Certification from Give First Aid will also add value to your resume for getting a job in the medical sector across the globe. The cost of the First Aid Course in Caboolture is $110.00

For candidates interested in taking First Aid Training in Caboolture, feel free to get in touch with us. You can call us at 1300 778 146 or email us at info@firstaidsunshinecoast.net.au. We are located at Level 2 The "HUB", 4 Haskings Street, Caboolture

Attain First Aid Training Course in Caboolture & Handle Medical Emergencies

First aid is perhaps one of the most important skill sets that you would ever learn; it ultimately helps to save a life at the time of emergency. “Give First Aid,” a Sunshine Coast based private First Aid Training Organization in Australia, offers First Aid Course in its own unique style. Extensive first aid training in an inclusive and supported environment is what makes us stand out of the crowd.

Based on Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Give First Aid has extended their arms of first aid course in Caboolture, Bellmere, Elimbah, Beachmere, Moodlu, Morayfield, Ningi, and Northlakes. In Caboolture, Give First Aid is organizing "Apply First Aid Course (include CPR)" imparting all the essential skills and knowledge required to provide first aid response, life support, manage casualty/s, and other medical crisis & accidents before medical assistance arrives at the scene.

The Apply First Aid Course is nationally recognized through inclusion on the National Training Information Service (NTIS), covering both adult & child conditions and educates students in Workplace Health & Safety. Basic competency skills include the units incorporating HLTCPR201B - Perform CPR and HLTFA201B - Provide Basic Emergency Life Support. At "Give First Aid", we teach our students' the necessary medical skills in a quite simple and effective manner.

Major Course Competencies

• Effective Use of First Aid Kit
• Safe Manual Handling
• Bleeding,Wound & Shock Management
• Extreme Temperatures/Burns/Medical Emergency Management
• Poison/Stings/Bites/Allergy Management
• Look after Musculoskeletal Injuries
• Perform Infection Control Procedures
• Casualty Assessment

There are no prerequisites as such, but one should have completed 16 years of age to enroll for the course. It comprise of 7 hours face-to-face interactive session, delivering pre-course information. Every participant would be provided with a First Aid Guide and an Online self-paced learning workbook/certificate. Students are mandated to complete all the online learning activities well in advance prior to the commencement of the course. After the successful completion of the course, student will receive a Statement of Attainment valid for 3 years.

Give First Aid is a proud training partner of “Immediate Response First Aid, Queensland" offering nationally certified & work-cover approved courses.. The cost of First Aid course is $110. You can enroll online using your credit card or PayPal account to confirm your enrollment or simply call us on 1300 778 146 for more details about booking information. Write us to info@firstaidsunshinecoast.net.au for your queries.