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First Aid Resources & Articles
Practical first aid guidance from our trainers — free to read, updated regularly.
The Common Spiders of Darwin
Darwin, the tropical capital of Australia’s Northern Territory, is home to a rich diversity of wildlife - including an impressive array of spiders. From the sprawling webs of golden orb-weavers to the cryptic camouflage of trapdoor spiders, these arachnids play a vital role in the local ecosystem. While some may inspire fear, the majority are harmless and even beneficial, helping to control insect populations.
First Aid for a Cat Bite
Cat bites, while often underestimated, can lead to serious health complications if not treated promptly and properly. Cats' mouths harbour a variety of bacteria that can cause infections in humans.
First Aid for Drop Bear Attacks
Encounters with wildlife can often be thrilling, but when it comes to the creature known as the drop bear, the experience can quickly turn dangerous. A sharp increase in recent attacks prompts the need for understanding proper first aid procedures in case of an attack.
First Aid for Funnel Web Spider Bites
Encountering a funnel web spider can be a frightening experience, and if a bite occurs, it is crucial to act swiftly and effectively to minimize the potential risks associated with their venom.
How to Treat Cat Scratches
Cats are beloved pets for millions of people worldwide, but sometimes even the most gentle feline can become agitated or scared, leading to scratches. While cat scratches are usually not serious, they can still be painful and carry the risk of infection.
5 Most Common Ants in Australia
Australia is home to a remarkably diverse array of ant species, showcasing a fascinating range of characteristics and behaviours. By understanding the identification, range, and behaviours of these ants, individuals can navigate their surroundings with greater awareness and appreciation.
5 Most Common Bees in Australia
Recognizing the significance of bees' positive impact, it becomes imperative to acquaint ourselves with the various species, distinguishing characteristics, geographical distributions, stinging tendencies, and suitable first aid measures for bee stings.
5 Most Common Wasps in Australia
Australia is home to a diverse range of insect species, including several types of wasps. While some wasps are beneficial as predators of other pests, others can pose a threat due to their stinging capabilities.
The Bird Dropping Spider: A Master of Mimicry
As their name suggests, the Bird Dropping Spider has developed colorations and patterns that mimic bird poo. This ingenious disguise means they can thrive in a wide variety of habitats, including suburban gardens.
Uncovering the Secrets of the Slaty Grey Snake
One of the most common snake species in Darwin and Australia's Top End region, the Slaty grey snake is a medium-sized species with shiny scales. They have been known to defend themselves aggressively when disturbed.
The Secretive Golden Crowned Snake
The Golden crowned snake is well known for its crown of yellowish scales. Found along the east coast of Australia, this snake is relatively enigmatic due to its secretive and nocturnal nature.
A Comprehensive Guide to the Green Head Ant
Found throughout Australia, Green head ants are renowned for their metallic green head and resilience in a wide variety of environments. They have been known to defend their nests aggressively when disturbed, even spraying intruders with formic acid.
The Formidable King Brown Snake
The King brown snake, also known as the Mulga snake, can be found in natural and urban environments throughout Australia. Not only is their venom highly toxic, but it can also be injected in enormous quantities, which makes them one of Australia's deadliest snakes.
Fact Sheet on Venomous Snakes in Melbourne
Despite its cooler climate, Melbourne is teeming with a variety of snake species, some of which are among the deadliest in the world. In this article, we will familiarise you with 4 of Melbourne's most common snake species and how to treat their bites.
Australian Crab Spiders: Nature's Masters of Camouflage
Renowned for its visually striking features, the Australian crab spider can be found in a variety of habitats, including urban areas. They have been known to bite when threatened, and their venom can cause pain, redness, and even dizziness.
All About the Little-Known Grey Snake
The Grey snake is a venomous member of the Elapidae snake family. They are known to inhabit woodlands and eucalypt forests in Queensland and New South Wales. Their venom contains procoagulants that can cause significant pain and swelling.
Get to Know the Snakes in Darwin
Darwin and the wider Top End region of the Northern Territory is home to over 40 native snake species. It this article, we help you decrease your risk of a snake bite by uncovering the main identifying characteristics of seven of Darwin's most common snake species.
The Jumping Green Spider of Australia
The Green Jumping Spider is the largest jumping spider found in Australia. They have been known to venture into urban areas, where they feed on insects and other spiders. They have deceptively large fangs that can inflict painful bites in humans.
Scorpions in Australia: What They Look Like and Where They Live
Though we are renowned for our wide variety of venomous snakes and spiders, Australia is also home to more than 100 species of scorpions. And while they typically live in remote habitats, they have been known to enter homes and inflict painful stings.
The Western Brown Snake Explained
Though it's lesser known than its Eastern counterpart, the Western Brown Snake is highly dangerous to humans. Not only does it inhabit a wide variety of environments, but it is also nervous, fast-moving, and has potent venom that attacks the nervous system.
The Elusive Tasmanian Cave Spider
The Tasmanian cave spider is a fascinating arachnid that is endemic and exclusive to the island of Tasmania. They live in dark, moist environments throughout the island, especially caves. Despite their small body size, their legs can span a whopping 18 centimetres.
3 Most Common Ticks in Victoria
Ticks are ectoparasites that feed on the blood of humans and animals. Pets are particularly susceptible to ticks and can develop symptoms ranging from anaemia and skin irritation to paralysis and death.
4 Common Spiders in Tasmania
Despite its cooler climate, Tasmania is home to a variety of spider species ranging from the virtually harmless to the potentially deadly. In this article, we help you learn how to identify and treat bites from some of Tasmania's most common spider species.
The White Lipped Snake of Tasmania
The White lipped snake is one of only three snake species found in Tasmania. They can thrive in cold environments due to their small size and dark colouration. They also happen to be a venomous member of the Elapidae family of snakes, of which the Eastern brown is also a member.
6 of the Most Common Spiders in Perth
Perth is home to a variety of spider species ranging from the virtually harmless to the outright deadly. After reading this article, you will know what these spiders look like, where they hide, and how to treat their bites.
Common Household Bugs in Australia
In Australian households, there are a variety of bugs and other pests that can cause significant damage to your health, finances, and overall wellbeing. It this article, we will acquaint you with 4 common pests in Australian households and how to prevent their population numbers from exploding.
3 Most Common Cockroaches in Adelaide
A combination of heavy rainfall and hot weather had led to a cockroach infestation in Adelaide households. Not only do cockroaches bite people, but they can also trigger allergy symptoms and spread deadly diseases like E.coli, Salmonella, and even Polio virus.
The Dugite Snake of Western Australia
The Dugite snake is one of the most common snakes in urban and semi-rural areas throughout southern Western Australia, including Perth. Like other types of Brown snakes, they have potent venom and are considered dangerous to humans.
5 of the Most Common Spiders in Brisbane
Many homes in Brisbane are full of a variety of different spiders, and a bite from some of them could be life-threatening. This article will help you identify five of the most common spider species in Brisbane, learn how to treat their bites, and coexist peacefully.
How to Treat 5 Common Insect Bites in Australia
Many people don't realise that the smallest of Australia's insects can be just as deadly as our larger species like Brown snakes and Great white sharks. Continue reading to learn how to identify and treat 5 of the most common insect bites in Australia.
Adelaide Mosquitoes and the Viruses They Transmit
In Adelaide and South Australia, the rain and heat have created the perfect breeding conditions for mosquitoes, leading to an explosion in mosquito borne diseases across the state. In this article, we discuss how to identify, treat, and avoid the most common mosquito borne diseases in Adelaide and South Australia.
4 Common Cockroaches in Australia
Heavy rainfalls and warmer temperatures have caused an epidemic in Australian households: cockroach infestations. Learn how to identify and manage four of the most common cockroach species in Australia.
The Australian Bandy Bandy Snake
The Bandy Bandy is a venomous, nocturnal snake of which there are five known species. Covered in striking black and white stripes, the Bandy Bandy is one of Australia's most iconic reptiles.
The Keelback Snake of Australia
Australia's Keelback snake is strikingly similar to the highly venomous Rough-scaled snake. It is important to be wary of the Keelback snake, as they are commonly encountered near water sources in densely populated areas.
Is the Spotted Ground Spider Poisonous?
The Spotted ground spider is widely distributed across Australia and commonly observed in households. Learn all the facts about the Spotted ground spider, and whether they are considered dangerous to humans.
6 Most Common Spiders in Queensland
South East Queensland is home to a variety of spider species ranging from the harmless to life-threatening. Continue reading for more information on how to identify and treat bites from some of Queensland's most common spiders.
6 Common Spiders in Melbourne
During the warmer months of spring and summer, Melbourne homes are often inundated with several spider species on the hunt for food and mates. These spiders can cause bites ranging from the negligible to the extremely painful.
Profile on the Little Whip Snake
The Little whip snake is found across south-eastern Australia. As well as belonging to the Elapidae family of venomous snakes, they are often mistaken for juvenile Brown snakes.
Ants Adelaide: A Comprehensive Guide
Ants form a massive part of Adelaide's local ecosystem. As well as being natural pest control agents, they help pollinate native plants. However, many of Adelaide's common ant species can inflict nasty stings and trigger anaphylaxis.
How Dangerous is the Cupboard Spider?
The Cupboard spider is a common guest in and around Australian houses. They are often mistaken for Redback spiders, as both are of similar shape and size. Though the Cupboard spider is not as deadly as the Redback, their bites can still cause several symptoms.
Your Guide to Venomous Snakes in Adelaide
Adelaide comprises a wide range of bushland, rural, and semi-rural environments. As such, it is home to a variety of native wildlife, including venomous snakes. Some of the most commonly encountered snakes in Adelaide are highly dangerous to humans.
The Grey House Spider Explained
Though Grey house spiders can live in a variety of habitats, they prefer to build their tangled, ladder-like webs in and around houses on the eastern side of Australia. Like most House spiders, their bites can cause moderate to severe local symptoms.
First Aid for the Black Whip Snake
The Black whip snake is common throughout south east Queensland, including Brisbane. Large individuals are considered potentially dangerous, as their venom can cause a host of moderate to severe symptoms.
Common Tree Snake QLD
The Common tree snake is one of the most common snakes encountered in Brisbane and wider south east Queensland (QLD). They are regularly encountered in homes and suburban gardens, where they use an interesting defence to deter any potential threats.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Brisbane's Yellow Faced Whip Snake
The Yellow faced whip snake is common throughout the greater Brisbane area. A shy and nervous species, the Yellow faced whip will bite when threatened, and its venom can cause severe symptoms like localised pain and swelling.
All About Paper Wasps in Australia
The Paper wasp is common throughout Australian homes, gardens, and bushland. Important to native ecosystems, Paper wasps have been known to aggressively defend their nests when threatened and cause painful stings.
First Aid for Cockroach Bites
Cockroaches are omnivores that eat anything. In fact, they have been known to bite people to feed off dead skin and food residue on their face and hands. Cockroaches are not venomous, but they can transmit deadly bacteria like E.coli.
Your Guide to the Magnificent Spider
The Magnificent spider is renowned for distinctive markings on its abdomen, as well as an ingenious method for capturing moths. They are common in forests and suburban gardens in New South Wales and Queensland.
A Guide to Cairns Spiders
In this article, we look at how to identify and treat bites from some of Cairns' most common spiders. Cairns in Northern Queensland is home to an array of fearsome-looking spiders.
All About the Rough Scaled Snake
The Rough scaled snake is a highly venomous member of the Elapidae snake family and is located along parts of Australia's eastern coast. They have been responsible for at least one human fatality.
First Aid for Collett's Snake
Distributed in parts of western and central Queensland, Collett's Snake has highly toxic venom that can cause abdominal pain, muscle necrosis, and even renal failure.
A Guide to Adelaide Spiders
There are a host of spider species common in Adelaide homes and backyards. Though these spiders mostly stick to themselves, they can deliver excruciating bites that have killed people in the past.
All About Bees & Wasps in Adelaide
There are a variety of bees & wasps in Adelaide, all of which are particularly active during the warmer summer months. When bees and wasps infest homes, they can become territorial and attack in swarms.
QLD Snakes Identification: A Guide
South East Queensland is home to 56 snake species, some of which are the most venomous in Australia. As such, it is important to know what snakes may be present in and around your home and backyard.
The Blue Belly Black Snake
The Blue belly black snake is common along parts of Australia's eastern coast. They are highly toxic, as their venom can cause muscle death, cell death, as well as disrupt the nervous system.
First Aid for the Electric Ant
Electric ants can be found in the Cairns region of northern Queensland. They have a long-lasting, painful sting that can blind animals and cause anaphylaxis in humans.
All About the White Crowned Snake
The White crowned snake is abundant throughout parts of Australia's eastern coast. Continue reading for more information about their identifying characteristics, preferred habitat, and level of toxicity.
The Eastern Small Eyed Snake
The Eastern Small Eyed Snake is widely distributed along the east coast of Australia. Continue reading for more information on their identifying characteristics, preferred habitat, and level of toxicity.
Deadly Marine Life: The Blue Ringed Octopus
Blue ringed octopuses are most often seen in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of the Australian mainland. Despite their miniscule size, Blue ringed octopuses are some of the deadliest creatures in the water, and their neurotoxic venom can and has killed people.
Sydney Brown Trapdoor Spider
The Sydney Brown Trapdoor Spider loves being out and active during the hot summer. They are eerily similar to the deadly Funnel-web. In this article, we will give you the know-how to spot the differences between them.
Deadly Marine Life: The Great White Shark
The Great white shark is arguably the most well-known shark in the world. As the largest predatory fish in the world, and with strong jaws housing upwards of 300 highly serrated teeth, Great white sharks are indeed formidable predators.
White Tail Spider Bite: Separating Myth from Fact
White tail spiders are common in Australian households, as they enjoy hiding between pieces of fabric and in cool, tiled areas. White tail spider bites have long been associated with extreme inflammation and skin loss.
Brisbane Snakes Identification | Snake Facts
In this article, we provide information on venomous and non-venomous snakes common to the greater Brisbane region.
Deadly Marine Life: The Stone Fish
The sting from a stone fish is excruciating and can be lethal. Prompt and appropriate first aid may reduce the severity of the injury.
The Victorian Funnel Web Spider
The Victorian Funnel Web Spider can be encountered on the outskirts of the Dandenong ranges. They are closely related to the Sydney Funnel Web Spider, Australia's deadliest arachnid.
Deadly Marine Life: The Bull Shark
Across film and television, the Great white shark has been touted as the most aggressive shark in the world. In reality, this title is better relegated to the ill-tempered Bull shark.
3 Common Australian Outdoor Spiders
Australia is home to approximately 10,000 spider species, several of which we are likely to encounter while doing odd jobs around the backyard or venturing through bushland. Let's take a look at these spiders and whether they are cause for concern.
6 Common Australian House Spiders
Australia is home to approximately 10,000 spider species, several of which have a predilection for indoor living. Today, we look at the spiders you are likely sharing your house with, and whether they are cause for concern.
4 Easy Tips to Control Spider Numbers Around Your Home
There are several spider species in Australia that like building their nests in and around the family home. Use these 4 simple tricks to keep their population numbers under control.
Deadly Marine Life: The Tiger Shark
Tiger sharks are widely renowned for striped colourations on their sides. They also happen to be one of the largest sharks in the world and have notched teeth designed for maximum damage.
Snake Facts: The Tiger Snake
Tiger snakes are so named because of distinctive tiger-like stripes along their dorsal scales. They are particularly prevalent near bodies of water during the summer, and their venom is highly neurotoxic and can kill.
Snake Facts: The Taipan
There are two types of Taipans found in Australia: the Inland taipan and the Coastal taipan. Due to their aggressive nature and toxic venom, these snakes are considered some of the most dangerous in the world.
Snake Facts: The Death Adder
The Death adder is one of the most venomous snakes in Australia and across the globe. Renowned for their excellent camouflage abilities, Death adders can kill humans in a matter of hours without prompt treatment.
Snake Facts: The Australian Copperhead Snake
So named because of their brown-coloured head, Copperhead snakes are found across south-eastern Australia. Their venom is toxic to a host of different cells in the human body and must be treated with effective first aid and professional help.
Snake Facts: The Eastern Brown Snake
Eastern brown snakes are widely distributed across eastern Australia and are most commonly encountered in the spring. It is important to know first aid for a bite from an Eastern brown, as they are the second most venomous land snake in the world.
First Aid for Jellyfish Stings
Australia is home to a variety of jellyfish, aquatic animals that can sting humans and cause severe, sometimes fatal symptoms. Knowing how to treat different jellyfish stings could one day save your life.
First Aid for Animal Bites
Here in Australia, it is not only our wildlife that can deliver painful and potentially dangerous bites. In fact, most animal bites in Australia are caused by dogs. Today, we look at the first aid procedures for the most common animal bites in Australia.
First Aid for Mosquito Bites
As well as causing intense itchiness, mosquito bites can sometimes cause allergic reactions and spread disease, including dengue fever and encephalitis. Luckily, there are a few easy tips for preventing and treating mosquito bites.
Spider Facts: The Garden Orb Weaving Spider
Garden orb weaving spiders are widely renowned for their large, intricate webs, some of which are strong enough to trap birds. Given how formidable their web-building skills are, should we be worried about their bites? Let's take a closer look.
Spider Facts: The Mouse Spider
Though they have an unassuming name, Mouse spiders should not be underestimated. They are distributed across mainland Australia. And similar to Funnel-web spiders, they live deep underground and can deliver nasty bites.
Spider Facts: The Brown Recluse Spider
Brown recluse spiders form part of the Sicariidae family. They are found across the globe and have been known to inhabit the family home. Though they are generally timid, they can bite and cause necrotic skin ulcers.
Spider Facts: The Daddy-Long-Legs Spider
A lot of mystery surrounds the Daddy-Long-Legs spider. Despite their small size, they can bring down the Funnel-web spider. Should us humans be worried, too?
5 of Australia's Most Annoying Insects
As we head towards the summer months, insects will increasingly venture inside to escape the heat. Though it's never nice to run into an insect in the home, there are a handful of insects that are particularly annoying.
The Funnel-web Spider: Australia's Most Dangerous Arachnid
Funnel-web spiders are commonly found along the eastern coast of Australia. They are one of the most dangerous spiders in the world, and have been attributed to numerous human fatalities. So how do you successfully treat a Funnel-web spider bite? Let's take a look.
Spider Facts: The Tarantula
Tarantulas are well-known across the world. Not just because they are widely distributed, but also because they regularly appear on the silver screen. But are tarantulas just as aggressive and deadly as we have been led to believe?
Spider Facts: The Black House Spider
The Black house spider is an unexpected house guest in most Australian homes. Though they are generally timid in nature, and prefer to hang out in their web away from predators, Black house spider bites should not be underestimated.
Trapdoor Spiders: The Tunnel-building Arachnid
Trapdoor spiders are widely distributed across the world, though the most well-known species can be found in Australia and the United States. They are often confused with Funnel-web spiders. But are they just as dangerous? Let's take a look.
Australian Wolf Spiders: The Stealthy Hunters Lurking in Your Backyard
Australian Wolf spiders are most common in suburban backyards, where they use their superb hunting skills to stalk prey. They have also been known to venture indoors to stay warm.
The Huntsman Spider: Australia's Scariest Arachnid
Huntsman spiders can be found in warm regions across the world, including Australia. They are known for long, hairy legs that can propel them in any direction. But are Huntsman spiders just as fearsome as they seem? Let's take a look.
Everything You Need to Know About the White Tail Spider
The White tail spider is common in and around family homes throughout Australia. Their bite has long been associated with ulcerating lesions, but is that really the case? We take a look in this article.
Midge Bites & First Aid For Midge Bites
The term midge refers to many difference species of tiny flies. Female midges tend to bite, as they need blood to reproduce. It is important to know first aid for midge bites, as they can result allergic reactions like blistering.
Spider Bite – Identify & Treat
Australia is home to some of the world's most venomous spiders. Spider bites can cause serious illness and even death due to the toxicity of the venom and by triggering anaphylaxis. Should your condition begin to deteriorate, contact a medical facility immediately.
Identify & Treating Snake Bites
More deaths would no doubt result if we did not have access to anti-venom to treat these bites. When a snake bite has occurred, it is not necessary to catch or kill the snake in order to identify it.
Identify and Treat Insect Bites and Stings
Insect bites and stings can cause allergic reactions. This can result in severe symptoms ranging from hives and swelling of the throat, face and lips, to shock, abdominal cramping, nausea and vomiting, through to breathing problems.
European Wasp Warning
Around 33% of Australian hospital admissions are for bee or wasp stings. These stings account for more than twice the number of hospital admissions for snake bites, and cause almost the same number of deaths.
First Aid for Marine Bites and Stings
First aid treatment for bites and stings from creatures in the sea is important, not just for pain relief, but because they could cause a severe allergic reaction and anaphylaxis.
Applying First Aid for Biting Midges
Only the female biting midge bites. She does this by breaking the victim’s skin and injecting saliva that prevents the blood from clotting. She then consumes enough protein from the blood to help develop a batch of eggs.
Redback Spider Bite
Redback spiders are found across Australia in dry, sheltered sites typically close to human habitation. Bites from a female Redback can cause serious illness and have resulted in deaths. Continue reading for step-by-step first aid instructions for Redback spider bites.
How to Remove Ticks
A paralysis tick can cause a serious allergic reaction. These reactions can range from mild itching with localised swelling and pain to life-threatening anaphylaxis. This article covers paralysis tick prevention and cure, including the best way to remove a tick.
Fire ants: What to do when stung?
Found throughout south east Queensland, Fire ants are renowned for their aggressive nature and painful sting. They are particularly dangerous to those with allergies, as they tend to swarm and sting all at once.
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