How To

First Aid for a Spider Bite

Steps to follow:

1. Immobilise patient
2. Call for help
3. Identify the spider
4. Apply a cold compress
5. Bandage the affected area (Do NOT apply a tourniquet)

1. Immobilise the patient

Have the patient lie down calmly. Tell them not to move and try to control their breathing.

2. Call for help

Request medical assistance as soon as possible. Advise them that a spider bite is suspected.

3. Identify the spider

If possible, try to identify the spider without risking getting bitten yourself. Kill the spider if necessary. Ask the patient to describe it in detail.

4. Apply a cold compress

Make a cold compress by soaking a cloth in cool water, or wrapping a bag of frozen vegetables in a cloth. Apply this to the bite area.

5. Bandage the affected area

Apply a pressure bandage to immobilise the limb. The bandage should cover the entire limb, but not stop circulation.