| Australia is well known for its unique wildlife. Everyone | | | | Antivenom for Stonefish and Box Jellyfish is available. |
| loves koalas and kangaroos. Unfortunately, there are | | | | Australian snakes and spiders |
| other species which can really hurt, or even kill you. I | | | | Snakes and spiders are found all over Australia, in the |
| don't want to scare you, far from it! Know what to | | | | cities and the Outback. There are a few snakes |
| find there, and you'll be right. | | | | species supposed to be the most venomous in the |
| Crocodiles, Box Jellyfishes (Sea Wasps) and | | | | world. Unless feeling trapped, snakes and spiders |
| Stonefishes | | | | won't "attack" humans. Leave them alone, and they |
| Australia's beautiful beaches and coastal areas inhabit | | | | won't do you any harm. |
| some of the most dangerous Australian animals. | | | | How to prevent snake bites? |
| - The Box Jellyfish or Sea Wasp causes more deaths | | | | - Most snake bites happen due to silly behaviour. |
| than snakes, salt water crocodiles and sharks | | | | Don't provoke them, don't try to catch or kill a snake. |
| together. It is abundant along the northern tropical | | | | - Wear socks and boots when walking in high grass. |
| coastlines during the Australian summer. Sea Wasps | | | | - Don't lift large rocks and dead wood. |
| fire an extremely powerful venom when you come in | | | | - When you see a snake, stamp your feet and let is |
| contact with them. | | | | slither away. |
| - Saltwater Crocodiles or Estuarine Crocodiles live in | | | | First aid for snake bites |
| rivers and freshwater swamps along the coastline in | | | | - Don't cut the wound, don't wash it either. |
| northern Australia. Salties grow up to 5 m, some | | | | - Don't put ice on the wound. |
| exemplars get even a bit bigger. They have powerful | | | | - Immediately apply a pressure immobilisation |
| jaws that won't give you any chance to escape once | | | | bandage as you would do to treat a sprained ankle. |
| they have grabbed you. Salties are the world's | | | | The bandage slows down the movement of the |
| largest reptiles. They are protected in Australia. | | | | venom. But don't make it too firm. The bandage |
| - The Stonefish can be found among rocks in shallow | | | | shouldn't stop the blood flow, and should stay in |
| waters on beaches and islands north of the Tropic of | | | | place until a doctor looks after the victim. |
| Capricorn. Its venomous spines release a toxin that | | | | First aid for spider bites |
| causes severe pain and shock. | | | | - Spider bites by big black spiders should be treated |
| How to avoid trouble and first aid | | | | as funnel web bites. Apply a pressure immobilization |
| | | | bandage. Seek medical advice as soon as possible. |
| 1. Obey the signs that warn you about Saltwater | | | | Antivenom is available. |
| Crocodiles and the Box Jellyfish along rivers and | | | | - Redback spider bites are painful. Apply an ice pack |
| beaches. | | | | to relieve the pain. Antivenom is available but only |
| 2. Wear shows while walking in water on stony | | | | given if the pain consists, and/or symptoms like |
| beaches and coral islands. | | | | headache and nausea develop. |
| 3. Vinegar inactivates the stinging cells of the Box | | | | Now that you know a little about the dangerous |
| Jellyfish and should be poured over the tentacles | | | | Australian wildlife, do you feel better prepared? I |
| before you remove them from a victim. | | | | really hope so. Please do never forget, the risk of |
| 4. Bath the stung area of Stonefish stings in hot | | | | getting hurt in a car accident is much higher than |
| water to reduce the pain. | | | | being hurt by any Australian animal. Be careful, but |
| Transport victims to hospital as soon as possible. | | | | don't worry too much. |