Healthdirect, Australia’s online health information service, states that the first aid to a spider bite is a cold compress. This treatment applies to spiders that are not big black or redback because it is possible that they are harmless. Websites such as Brisbane Insects, PestWorld, and AZ Animals announce that jumping green spiders are not poisonous to humans. So, a cold compress may help treat the bite of a jumping green spider in Australia. This is manageable to do especially if you already have a first aid kit. Knowledge of treating spider bites and other incidents may also help do this properly. Especially if the spider bite leads to a serious allergic reaction. So, to help prepare yourself with what to do during emergencies, read further. Learn more about spider bites, first aid treatments, training, and management of anaphylaxis.
What is the First Aid to Spider Bites?
Healthdirect lists the following first aid treatments for spider bites according to the species.
- Big black spider bite – pressure immobilisation bandage and CPR if necessary
- Redback spider bite – cold compress
- All other spider bites – cold compress
Healthdirect explains that the last category may not cause danger to humans. Jumping green spiders may fall under this type because many websites announce it is not toxic.
What are the Effects of Jumping Green Spider Bites on Humans?
The following websites support the claim that jumping green spiders are non-aggressive and are not toxic to humans. But it may still give a painful bite with minor symptoms.
- Brisbane Insects – a website of the Chew family that study nature and records what they find
- Pest World – a website of the National Pest Management Association composed of pest control professionals
- AZ Animals – a website that sources only from vetted, encyclopedic resources
While the above websites declare that jumping green spiders are not dangerous to humans, knowing how to treat their bites may help manage the pain.
What is the First Aid to the Bite of Jumping Green Spiders in Australia?
Since jumping green spiders may fall into the “other spider bites” category, a cold compress may help treat its bite. Apply it on the bite site for 15 minutes to relieve the pain and reapply as necessary. The availability of a spider bite first aid kit that has an ice pack may help you perform this treatment as soon as possible. The same tool is useful if the bite is from another harmful species of spider.
What’s Included in a Spider Bite First Aid Kit?
The spider bite first aid kit available on CPR First Aid (RTO NO 21903) has the following contents.
- Snakebite indicator bandage
- Splint
- Marker
- Triangular bandage
- Dressing
- Instant ice pack
- Leaflet
Aside from cold compress, the above items are useful for pressure immobilisation mentioned as first aid management for big black and redback spiders. For CPR, there is no kit since it needs the human intervention of chest compressions although defibrillators may also help.
How to Perform CPR for Other Spider Bites?
If a casualty would need CPR, follow the DRS ABCD and use a defibrillator if there is one available.
- D – danger, ensure that the casualty and everyone else is in a safe area
- R – response, see if a casualty is able to respond
- S – send for help, call 000 if there is no response
- A – airway, check the mouth and remove any visible blockages from the mouth or nose
- B – breathing, place them in a recovery position if they are breathing normally
- C – CPR, start this if they are not breathing normally
- D – defibrillation, if there is an available device nearby, use it to support the CPR process
Learn the above by following Healthdirect’s tutorial videos, enrolling in a free online first aid course, or booking CPR training. But Cardiopulmonary resuscitation is not the advised response if a casualty experiences a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) from a spider bite.
How to Perform the First Aid to Anaphylaxis from a Spider Bite?
Healthdirect explains the importance of being aware of the possible severe effects of bites from jumping green spiders and other species. As some people may experience anaphylaxis which would need the following first aid response immediately.
- Lay a casualty flat and keep them still
- Place them in a recovery position if they are unconscious
- Inject an adrenaline autoinjector
- Call 000 for help
- Give another adrenaline autoinjector if there is no response after 5 minutes
- Transfer the casualty to a hospital for an observation
Find more about this on Healthdirect or through anaphylaxis first aid training at Unit A Level 1, 45 Adelaide Street, Brisbane.
Is Green Jumping Spider Common Throughout Australia?
Brisbane Insects discusses how green jumping spiders are common in Brisbane and in Northern Australia. The creators of the website say they often find them in the backyards and gardens during the summer season. It also cites the different names of this species.
What are the Other Names of Green Jumping Spiders in Australia?
Brisbane Insects also call green jumping spiders Northern Green Jumping Spiders and Mopsus Penicillatus as their scientific name in old literature. The website’s discussion also mentions how beautiful and large these spiders are.
What do the Green Jumping Spiders in Australia Look Like?
Brisbane Insects describe green jumping spiders to have the following features.
- Male spiders have bright green bodies with dark red heads. Its front pair of eyes consume almost half of its dark face’s space. Its abdomen has a white colour on the green with two black lines. The legs are green to dark red.
- The females are a bit larger than the male if fully grown. Its thorax has a white and brownish-red pattern.
Brisbane Insects also state that they are the largest jumping spiders in Australia.
Conclusion
The first aid to the bite of a jumping green spider in Australia is a cold compress. Its effect is known to be harmless but still painful. So, having an available spider bite first aid kit may help manage the pain. In some cases, the bite of this species and other spiders may cause severe reactions which would need CPR or an adrenaline shot. Tutorials, online courses, and training may help you gain the skills and knowledge of doing these first-aid treatments properly. These resources may help especially since green jumping spiders are common in Brisbane and in Northern Australia.
