Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
PARAMEDICS have warned the Hunter to remain vigilant as warmer weather creates increased activity in snakes and spiders.
Ambulance figures show 22 call-outs in the northern area, which stretches to Byron Bay and includes the Hunter and Central Coast, since July 1.
The most serious incident involved a man, 81, bitten by a brown snake at Cooranbong in September.
He was taken to Wyong Hospital for treatment.
Other Hunter encounters include a child, 3 bitten by a spider at Speers Point in August and a 32-year-old man bitten by a spider at Cessnock on September 7.
A Bar Beach woman, 35, was also attended by paramedics after a spider bit her finger.
NSW Ambulance inspector Giles Buchanan advised that people should call Triple Zero and ask for an ambulance if bitten by a snake or spider.
July 5 - Woman, 32, bitten on the foot by a spider at Gorokan. Not taken to hospital.
July 31 - Boy, 12, with suspected funnel-web bite at Bonnells Bay. Taken to Wyong Hospital.
August 8 - Boy, 3, bitten on the finger by a spider at Speers Point. Not taken to hospital.
August 30 - Girl, 7, suspected black snake bite. Not taken to hospital.
September 7 - Man, 32, bitten on leg by spider at Cessnock. Not taken to hospital.
September 9 - Boy, 3, reportedly bitten by redback spider. Not taken to hospital.
September 23 - Woman, 35, bitten by black house spider at Bar Beach. Not taken to hospital.
September 26 - Man, 81, bitten by brown snake at Cooranbong. Taken to Wyong Hospital.
September 28 - Woman, 39, reportedly bitten on hand by spider at Gateshead. Not taken to hospital.
Source: NSW Ambulance Service
SNAKES AND FUNNEL-WEBS
- if the bite is on a limb, apply a pressure immobilisation bandage that doesn't cut off the circulation.
- apply direct, firm pressure to the bite with your hands if it is not on a limb. Keep the patient still.
- avoid applying a tourniquet or cutting the wound, or sucking the venom out.
OTHER SPIDERS
- apply an ice pack or cold compress to relieve pain
- seek medical help if severe symptoms develop
- if children are bitten, seek medical help immediately regardless of symptons.