Black Widow Spider Bite First Aid

In the USA a Black Widow Spider Bite or Brown Recluse Spider Bite can be serious and even life threatening.

The Black Widow Spider is a close relative to the Red Back Spider from Australia.

Symptoms of a Black Widow Bite

Local pain may be followed by localised or generalised severe muscle cramps and pain

• Abdominal pain
• Weakness
• Tremors

In severe cases:

• Nausea and/or vomiting
• Fainting
• Dizziness
• Chest pain
• Difficulty breath may follow

First Aid for Black Widow Bite

• If the patient shows any of the symptoms of a Black Widow Bite get to a hospital immediately.
• Clean and irrigate the bite area.
• Application of ice or cool compresses.
• If safe to do so, take the spider to the hospital for identification.
• Usually it is safer to take a photo.
• Pain medication and or muscle relaxants may be given by a medical professional.
• DO NOT apply a tourniquet. This cuts blood flow completely and may result in loss of the affected limb.
• DO NOT give the patient medication including aspirin unless instructed to do so by a medical professional

You may be interested in learning about:

• First Aid for Snake Bites
• How to apply an Arm Sling
• Basic First Aid Instructions
• Our First Aid Kit Checklists

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Photo 1 by Konrad Summers
Photo 2 by Liam K