Critical encounters: Demystifying Australia's venomous bites & stings

This free webinar gives you access to one of our most popular topics from the ALERT course and offers an up-to-date overview for health professionals on managing Australian envenomation from snake & spider bites and stings from jellyfish and other sea creatures. Participants will learn how to apply first aid measures and administer the appropriate medical treatment based on current evidence-based guidelines.

By the end of this webinar, participants will be able to:

1. Jellyfish Stings (e.g., Box Jellyfish, Irukandji):

• Identify symptoms of envenomation and systemic toxicity.

• Describe the management of Irukandji syndrome (pain, cardiac, neurological complications).

• List the indications to administer antivenom for Box Jellyfish and provide supportive care.

2. Blue-Ringed Octopus Envenomation:

• Describe paralysis and respiratory failure from tetrodotoxin.

• Describe the management of respiratory support as no antivenom is available.

3. Stonefish Stings:

• Describe the management of systemic effects like cardiovascular distress.

4. Snake & Spider Bites:

• Identify signs of envenomation (neurotoxic, hemotoxic, myotoxic effects).

• List the indications to administer antivenom and monitor for allergic reactions.

• Describe the management of complications (respiratory failure, coagulopathy, kidney injury).

Feedback from course participants

"I liked that the venom specifics for each creature were discussed, specific symptoms, especially for the snake bites. The discussion of antivenom administration/dilution/poly and monovalent was great. I also really liked the algorithm for snake detection."

"The case studies were great and the short quizzes very helpful. It enhanced the learning very much. Good to see such superb presenters! Thank you."

"Informative, engaging, pictures of snakes, spiders ,marine creatures makes visual recognition easier."

"Very interesting. Great up to date info. Good reminders of things I already knew along with new pearls. Appreciated the engaging presenters. Nice video of how to put on a pressure immobilisation bandage... Thanks for the webinar - it was worth tuning in to."

"I liked the variation in speakers, and range of approaches (lecture, video etc.) and really liked the use of the scenarios and quiz. Really great."

This is a Medcast Continuing Medical Education (CME) course