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Warning-sign checks

Funnel-web spider bite: when to get help

Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.

  1. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    Treat every suspected funnel-web spider bite as an emergency.

    Call emergency services immediately, apply pressure immobilisation, and keep the person still.

    Do this even if there is only local pain or no visible bite mark.

    Tell the emergency operator immediately if there is:

    • Difficulty breathing, noisy breathing, or chest tightness
    • Heavy sweating, drooling, vomiting, or tongue twitching
    • Confusion, unusual drowsiness, collapse, or a seizure
    • Rapid deterioration or loss of responsiveness

    Follow the emergency operator’s instructions.

    New breathing difficulty, fainting, or severe weakness remains an emergency.

    Other emergency signs, for anyone
    • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
    • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
    • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
    • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
    • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
    • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
    • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
    • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
  2. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    More prompt review is needed for spreading redness, pus, fever, rash, swollen glands, or joint pain.

    And for anyone, someone who:

    • has a wound that is hot, spreading red, or leaking pus
  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    After hospital discharge, routine medical review is appropriate for persistent wound discomfort or concerns about recovery.

The article also says

If the person is unresponsive and not breathing normally, start CPR and use an automated external defibrillator if one is available.

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Funnel-web spider bite. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.