Spider Bites - Click here to see pictures of spider bites: Warning; Very Graphic

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Please note: The Pressure Immobilization method is recommended only for Funnel Web Spider bites and specifically recommended against for Red Back Spiders. Please see the treatment for Red Back bite below.

The old methods of treating bite and stings are now discouraged by the medical profession as often they only increase and spread pain. The pressure/immobilisation method is now widely used as a simple and effective way of slowing the spread of poison throughout the body. This method involves placing a firm but not tight, bandage along the entire limb that has been bitten or stung. This compresses the tissues, thus reducing the flow of venom along the limbs. Quite often the venom will be trapped exactly where it enters the body.

	The patient should be kept calm and rested; all undue movement should be avoided. The pressure/immobilisation bandage should be applied. If the bite is on a limb, the bandage should start at the bite site, work down to the fingers or toes, then back to the armpit or groin.
	The patient should be kept calm and rested; all undue movement should be avoided. The pressure/immobilisation bandage should be applied. If the bite is on a limb, the bandage should start at the bite site, work down to the fingers or toes, then back to the armpit or groin.
	If it is necessary to improvise for the bandages, strips of clothing or pantyhose could be used. A splint should then be applied to immobilise the limb. This is run along the affected limb, and bandaged to it, after the pressure bandages have been applied.

Medical aid should then be sought and it is better to send for an ambulance rather than attempt to transport the victim.

Mayo

Spider Bites