Funnel-web spider

Home treatment:

Call the Poison Control center for guidance. The standard procedure is to apply a firm pressure bandage over the bite, if possible.

Before calling emergency:

Determine the following information:

• the patient's age, weight, and condition
• the identification of the insect if possible
• the time when the bite occurred

Poison Control, or a local emergency number:

They will instruct you if it is necessary to take the patient to the hospital. See Poison Control centers for telephone numbers and addresses.

If possible, bring the insect to the emergency room for identification.

What to expect at the emergency room:

• Treat the symptoms.

Expectations (prognosis):

Death in an otherwise healthy person is uncommon. Recovery usually takes about one week.