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First aid and related topics. New articles published several times a week.

The warmer weather has caused a spike in shark sightings off the coast of Adelaide. Developing an understanding of local shark populations, and what to do if you encounter a shark, could make the difference between life and death.
Bites and Stings

Bites and Stings

Your Guide to Adelaide Sharks

The warmer weather has caused a spike in shark sightings off the coast of Adelaide. Developing an understanding of local shark populations, and what to do if you encounter a shark, could make the difference between life and death.

The Dusky Flathead is the largest flathead species in Australia. It is common in rocky reefs and shallow muddy areas along the Australian east coast. They have venomous spines along their body that can cause severe pain and possible infection.
How-To

How-To

First Aid for Dusky Flathead Sting

The Dusky Flathead is the largest flathead species in Australia. It is common in rocky reefs and shallow muddy areas along the Australian east coast. They have venomous spines along their body that can cause severe pain and possible infection.

Hyperventilation is an emotional response to stress, anxiety or fear that quickens breathing. Hyperventilation depletes the carbon dioxide in the body and reduces the supply of oxygen to vital organs and can lead to blurred vision, hand and finger spasms, and even collapse.
How-To

How-To

First Aid for Hyperventilation

Hyperventilation is an emotional response to stress, anxiety or fear that quickens breathing. Hyperventilation depletes the carbon dioxide in the body and reduces the supply of oxygen to vital organs and can lead to blurred vision, hand and finger spasms, and even collapse.

Several venomous snake species can be found in residential areas throughout South Australia. While these snakes will never go out of their way to attack you, their venom can cause dangerous symptoms ranging from bleeding and nausea to irregular heart beat and death.
Bites and Stings

Bites and Stings

First Aid for the Snakes of South Australia

Several venomous snake species can be found in residential areas throughout South Australia. While these snakes will never go out of their way to attack you, their venom can cause dangerous symptoms ranging from bleeding and nausea to irregular heart beat and death.

Recent flooding in Victoria has displaced several venomous snake species and forced them into homes, playgrounds, and workplaces, including the Highland copperhead (pictured). It is important to be familiar with the characteristics and preferred habitats of these snakes, as their bites can cause a host of deadly symptoms.
Bites and Stings

Bites and Stings

First Aid for the Snakes of Victoria

Recent flooding in Victoria has displaced several venomous snake species and forced them into homes, playgrounds, and workplaces. It is important to be familiar with the characteristics and preferred habitats of these snakes, as their bites can cause a host of deadly symptoms.

Tasmania is home to three species of snake: the Tiger snake, the Lowland copperhead snake, and the White lipped snake. These three snake species are all cold adapted and have highly neurotoxic venom.
Bites and Stings

Bites and Stings

First Aid for the Snakes of Tasmania

Tasmania is home to three species of snake: the Tiger snake, the Lowland copperhead snake, and the White lipped snake. These three snake species are all cold adapted and have highly neurotoxic venom.

A crush injury can result from any object that exerts applied and continual force on the body. Without immediate first aid and medical attention, a crush injury can lead to heart, lung, and kidney failure.
How-To

How-To

First Aid for Crush Injury

A crush injury can result from any object that exerts applied and continual force on the body. Without immediate first aid and medical attention, a crush injury can lead to heart, lung, and kidney failure.

Cairns is currently dealing with several infestations of Yellow crazy ants. Yellow crazy ants are one of the world's worst invasive species, as they swarm aggressively and spray formic acid as a defence and attack mechanism.
Bites and Stings

Bites and Stings

The Yellow Crazy Ants of Cairns

Cairns is currently dealing with several infestations of Yellow crazy ants. Yellow crazy ants are one of the world's worst invasive species, as they swarm aggressively and spray formic acid as a defence and attack mechanism.

Popular along the Australian east coast during summer, the Bluebottle jellyfish has stinging cells that contain toxic proteins and can cause intense pain, swelling, and even allergic reactions.
Seasonal Concerns

Seasonal Concerns

Bluebottle Jellyfish Treatment and Prevention

Popular along the Australian east coast during summer, the Bluebottle jellyfish has stinging cells that contain toxic proteins and can cause intense pain, swelling, and even allergic reactions.

Spider wasps are native to Australia. They are renowned for a painful sting that they use to paralyse and parasite large spiders. Though they are generally non-aggressive, humans are not immune to their powerful venom.
Bites and Stings

Bites and Stings

A Guide to Spider Wasp Australia

Spider wasps are native to Australia. They are renowned for a painful sting that they use to paralyse and parasite large spiders, such as the Funnel-web.

Teddy bear bees are solitary creatures that build underground nests in soft soil across Australia. Despite their cute name, they can give a painful sting on par with that of the Fire ant.
Bites and Stings

Bites and Stings

First Aid for Teddy Bear Bee Stings

Teddy bear bees are solitary creatures that build underground nests in soft soil across Australia. Despite their cute name, they can give a painful sting on par with that of the Fire ant.

Found throughout Australia, including the cold climates of Tasmania, the Badge Huntsman is feared for its ability to climb quickly across walls and ceilings. They can also deliver a nasty bite comprising pain, sweating, and nausea.
Bites and Stings

Bites and Stings

First Aid for Hobart's Badge Huntsman

Found throughout Australia, including the cold climates of Tasmania, the Badge Huntsman is feared for its ability to climb quickly across walls and ceilings. They can also deliver a nasty bite comprising pain, sweating, and nausea.