Bite - Blue-ringed octopus

A Blue-ringed octopus can normally be found in tidal pools and can inflict fatal bites when disturbed.

Without medical treatment, the venom can cause paralysis and death due to respiratory failure within 30 minutes.

First Aid for a Blue-ringed octopus bite

If someone has been attacked by a Blue-ringed octopus, call Triple Zero (000) immediately. Send for a automated defibrillator (AED) if available.

If they are unconscious or lose consciousness at any time, follow the DRSABCD Action Plan.

Step 1: Lay them down

• Ask them to lay down (on their back) and remain still. This will slow the spread of poison
• Keep calm and reassure them
  
  

Step 2: Bandage the bite site

• Firmly bandage the bite site directly with a compression bandage. This is called the pressure immobilisation method
• You do not need to remove cloths
• If there aren't bandages available, use clothing or towels
• Avoid wrapping too tight to cause numbness, tingling or any colour change to the limb, toes or fingers
• Clip the end of the bandage or tuck it underneath the final loop
  
  

Step 3: If bitten on a limb, apply a second bandage

• If the bite is on a limb, apply a firm compression bandage starting just above the fingers or toes
• Wrap the bandage upwards on the limb as far as you can
• Avoid wrapping too tight to cause numbness, tingling or any colour change to the limb, toes or fingers
• Clip the end of the bandage or tuck it underneath the final loop
• Mark the bite site on the bandage
  
  

Step 4: Apply a splint if bitten on a limb

• If you have a splint board, tie it at the ankle, then above and below the knee. If the bite is on the arm, then place it underneath the forearm
• If the bite is on the leg, splint by placing the legs together and tie them to each other with bandages. Once below the knees and again at the ankles
• If the bite is on the arm, make a splint and place it underneath the forearm. Then, tie or tape it to the arm at the wrist and just below the elbow. Place in a sling
• If you don't have bandages for tying, you can use long bits of fabric such as a t-shirt or towel
  
  

Step 4: Monitor symptoms

• Monitor the person closely. If they lose consciousness at any time, follow the DRSABCD Action Plan
• If they become cold, cover them with a blanket, towel or clothes
• Write down the time of the bite and when you finished bandaging. This will assist medical help later
• Check circulation by squeezing the edge of the big toe or thumb for 3 seconds. Release and check if the colour returns - it should return within 2 seconds