What is the Government doing to improve treatment for snake and spider bites?
Dr REFSHAUGE: Every year up to 900 people are admitted to hospital for treatment of snake and spider bites or marine stings. The number of admissions has increased from 744 admissions in 1994-95 to 881 in 1996-97. Bites can cause symptoms ranging from the mildest swelling through to headaches, vomiting, abdominal pain, paralysis, prolonged bleeding from the wound, unconsciousness, fitting or respiratory failure. To ensure the highest quality care, the New South Wales Government is introducing into its hospitals one of the most detailed treatment guidelines in the world, certainly within Australia. Snake and spider bites are an infrequent but not rare medical emergency. Fast and effective treatment can be vital to save a life and to ensure a quick recovery. The new guidelines will help improve that treatment. The document sets out treatment protocols for every type of snake and spider bite. It provides hospitals also with a comprehensive list of the snakes in their region. This means th
