🕷️ What to Do for Spider Bites – First Aid Guide for Port Macquarie Locals

Red Back Spider

Spider Bites First Aid – What to Do in an Emergency

Ever been gardening in Port Macquarie and felt a sudden sting, only to realise you may have disturbed a spider’s web? Whether you’re a tradie, parent, or weekend hiker, knowing what to do for spider bites can turn a stressful situation into a life-saving response.

At SALT Training Academy, we empower locals across the NSW Mid North Coast with the knowledge and skills to stay calm, act fast, and potentially save lives.

Why Knowing Spider Bites First Aid is Essential in Australia

Australia is home to some infamous spiders like the red-back and funnel-web. While not all bites are life-threatening, some require urgent first aid. According to ANZCOR Guideline 9.4.2, bites from funnel-webs can be fatal if untreated, while red-back spider bites can be extremely painful—especially in children, the elderly, or immunocompromised individuals.

Identifying the Spider Bite: What to Look For

🕸️ Funnel-Web Spider

• Signs: Two fang marks, intense pain, sweating, nausea, confusion, breathing difficulty

• Time frame: Symptoms escalate within 30 minutes – life-threatening

  
  

🕷️ Red-Back Spider

• Signs: Sharp local pain, redness, swelling, nausea, sweating

• Time frame: Onset over 1–3 hours, especially dangerous for children and elderly

  
  

🪳 Other Common Spiders (Huntsman, White-Tail, Mouse Spider)

• Signs: Redness, local pain, minor swelling

• Time frame: Symptoms usually mild and resolve on their own

  
  

What to Do for Spider Bites: Step-by-Step First Aid Guide

✅ A. Start with DRSABCD

• Check for danger

• Check for response

• Send for help

• Follow basic life support steps

✅ B. Suspected Funnel-Web Spider Bite

• Call 000 immediately

• Apply pressure immobilisation bandage (PIT) from the bite site up the limb

• Keep the limb still (splint if needed)

• Monitor breathing and prepare for CPR if needed

• Stay calm and minimise movement to slow venom spread

✅ C. Suspected Red-Back or Unknown Spider Bite

• Clean the site with soap and water

• Apply a cold pack (20 min on / 20 min off)

• Do not use pressure bandage—it can increase pain

• Monitor symptoms: if they worsen, call 000

✅ D. Minor Spider Bites (Non-Venomous)

• Clean with soap and water

• Apply ice

• Paracetamol for pain

• Watch for allergic reactions (e.g. swelling of face, lips, difficulty breathing) – Call 000 if needed

When to Seek Emergency Help

Call 000 immediately if:

• The person experiences severe pain, vomiting, sweating, confusion, muscle spasms, or difficulty breathing

• There's a known funnel-web or red-back bite

• There are signs of anaphylaxis: hives, swelling of lips/throat, or breathing trouble – use an EpiPen if available

  
  

Spider Bite Prevention Tips for Mid North Coast Homes

• Wear gloves, enclosed shoes, and long sleeves when gardening

• Shake out shoes, hats, and clothing before use

• Declutter outdoor areas like sheds, woodpiles, and garden beds

• Install weatherproof seals around windows and doors

  
  

First Aid Training That Makes a Difference – Why Choose SALT

At SALT Training Academy, we’re a family-owned business based in Port Macquarie, offering nationally recognised first aid training across the NSW Mid North Coast. Led by Brent—a first responder with over 20 years of experience—we specialise in:

• HLTAID011 – Provide First Aid

• HLTAID012 – Childcare First Aid

• HLTAID009 – CPR

• Asthma & Anaphylaxis Management

• White Card & Workplace Safety Training

We deliver hands-on, small group training with real-life scenarios and modern first aid techniques like pressure immobilisation bandaging. Courses are available in-person, with flexible online bridging available.

Enrol in a Spider Bites First Aid Course Today

Emergencies don’t wait. Be ready when they strike. Enrol in a first aid course at SALT Training Academy in Port Macquarie today.

Course Options:

• 💡 HLTAID011 Provide First Aid – $140pp

• 💻 Online theory – from $60pp

👉 Visit www.salttrainingacademy.com.au or call us to book your spot.

Final Word: Be Prepared, Be SALT Smart

Knowing what to do for spider bites can be the difference between a close call and a serious emergency. With the right spider bites first aid training, you’ll gain the confidence and skills to act fast and save lives.

Stay safe, stay prepared, and stay SALT Smart on the Mid North Coast.

📌 Disclaimer

This blog post is for informational purposes and does not replace formal training. Always call 000 in emergencies and refer to ANZCOR & ARC guidelines for up-to-date medical procedures.