European wasp
This introduced insect has been associated with some deaths. The European Wasp is coloured yellow and black, with stripes similar to those of a bee. The yellow stripes are brighter in colour than those on a bee and the insect is slightly larger.
The insect is attracted to aromatic or sweet-tasting things and will enter food containers such as open soft-drink cans. The creature will then sting when inadvertently handled and can sting multiple times. Similar to bees, the wasps become aggressive when their nest is disturbed.
Signs and symptoms:
- Severe pain at the affected site
- Immediate swelling, especially if the throat has been stung
- Breathing difficulties
Care and treatment:
- Reassure
- Call Triple Zero (000) for an ambulance or see own doctor
- Cold compress to reduce swelling and pain
- If onset of allergic reaction; - pressure immobilisation bandage over affected limb(s) - call ambulance urgently
- Rescue breaths if respiratory arrest
Fire ants
Fire ants appear similar to ordinary house or garden ants. They are small, coppery-brown in colour on the head and body, with a darker abdomen.
Fire ants nests have no obvious entry or exit holes at the top of the nest. A distinguishing feature of fire ants is their aggressive behaviour, particularly near the nest and the variety of sizes within one nest, ranging from 2 - 6 mm.
Signs and symptoms:
- Fire ants inflict a fiery sting, which causes a small blister to form at the site of each sting after several hours. The blisters become itchy while healing and are prone to infection if broken
- Pain, burning and itching at the site
- Swelling of the stung area
- In allergic casualties: - onset of wheezing and breathing difficulties - facial swelling and hives - rapid pulse - collapse
Care and treatment:
- Reassure
- Cold compress to reduce swelling and pain
- Gently wash the affected area with soap and water
- Leave the blisters intact
- If onset of allergic reaction: - pressure immobilisation bandage - call Triple Zero (000) for an ambulance
Scorpions
In Australia there are over 100 species of scorpion and they can be found in a wide variety of habitats all over the country. Australian scorpions can give a painful sting but are not considered dangerous.
Sign and symptoms:
- Pain and itching at the site
- Swelling of the stung area
- In allergic casualties; - onset of wheezing and breathing difficulties - facial swelling and hives - rapid pulse - collapse
Care and treatment:
- Reassure
- Cold compress to reduce swelling and pain
- If onset of allergic reaction; - pressure immobilisation bandage - call Triple Zero (000) for an ambulance
Sea creatures
Many sea creatures are venomous and the best way to avoid envenomation is to avoid the creatures. As an example, don't pick up or handle creatures washed up on the beach or in rock pools and don't swim where box jellyfish or the Portuguese man-of-war are prevalent.
Box jellyfish
Box jellyfish, also known as 'stingers', are prevalent in the north of Australia during the season from November to March. These creatures are deadly and are responsible for many fatal encounters. Warning signs at popular beaches should be complied with and extreme care taken at unpatrolled locations. Respect local knowledge.
Signs and Symptoms:
- Immediate severe pain, with irrational behaviour because of the pain
- Rapid, irregular pulse
- Frosted pattern of sting marks
- Collapse
- Respiratory arrest.
- Cardiac arrest
Care and treatment:
- Call Triple Zero(000) for an ambulance and call lifesavers urgently
- Reassure
- Restrain anyone from rubbing the sting
- Apply liberal quantities of vinegar for a minimum of 30 seconds
- Dry cold compress to relieve pain
- Rescue breaths and chest compressions if required
Stonefish
The stonefish is virtually invisible among rocks. The creature has venomous spines on its back that it erects when threatened or stepped on. This fish lives in the tropical regions and as far south as Forster/Tuncurry in NSW.
Signs and symptoms:
- Severe pain at the site of envenomation
- welling
- Open wound and/or bleeding
- Irrational behaviour.
- Rapid pulse
- Breathing difficulties
- Collapse - coma
Care and treatment:
- Reassure
- Call Triple Zero (000) for an ambulance
- HOT water immersion of the site to relieve pain - ensure the water will not scald the casualty
- Rescue breaths and chest compressions if required