Spider bites

Side of RRV with lozenge

A patient in Essex was taken seriously unwell last month after being bitten by a False Widow spider in their home, and a nest was later found in the property.

The crew were called to a residential address in Maldon at the end of November to a patient who was diagnosed as generally unwell, but later needed treatment in resus.

Venom is one of the most common triggers for allergic reactions, alongside food and drugs, and the severity of symptoms can vary from a localised urticarial to life-threatening pulmonary and/or cardiovascular compromise – anaphylaxis.

Spider bites are a rare occurrence but please be aware of their potential for harm. If you suspect a patient has a spider bite injury, please take appropriate measures to ensure your safety and that of your patient, for example assessing the patient in the ambulance rather than in the property.

 Published 15th December 2014

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