# Spider bites Signs & symptoms General symptoms - sharp pain at bite site - profuse sweating - nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. Additional symptoms of a Funnel-Web or Mouse spider bite - copious secretion of saliva - muscular twitching and breathing difficulty - small hairs stand on end - numbness around mouth - copious tears - disorientation - fast pulse - markedly increased blood pressure - confusion leading to unconsciousness. Additional symptoms of a Red-back spider bite - intense local pain which increases and spreads - small hairs stand on end - patchy sweating - headache - muscle weakness or spasms. Possible signs and symptoms of other spider bites - burning sensation - swelling - blistering. What to do First aid for Funnel-web / Mouse spider: pressure bandage & immobilise 1 Follow DRSABCD. 2 Call triple zero (000) for an ambulance. 3 Lie the patient down and ask them to keep still. Reassure the patient. 4 If on a limb, apply an elasticised roller bandage (10–15 cm wide) over the bite site as soon as possible. 5 Apply a further elasticised roller bandage (10–15 cm wide), starting just above the fingers or toes and moving upwards on the bitten limb as far as can be reached. - Use clothing or other material if an elasticised roller bandage is not available. - Apply the bandage as firmly as possible to the limb. You should be unable to easily slide a finger between the bandage and the skin. 6 Immobilise the bandaged limb using splints. 7 Keep the patient lying down and completely still (immobilised). 8 Write down the time of the bite and when the bandage was applied. If possible, mark the location of the bite site (if known) on the skin with a pen, or photograph the site. Do not wash venom off the skin or clothes because it may assist identification. 9 Stay with the patient until medical aid arrives. First aid for Red-back and other spider bites 1 Wash the injured site with soap and water. 2 Apply a cold pack to the bitten or stung area for 15 minutes and reapply if pain continues. 3 Seek medical attention if the patient develops severe symptoms.