Australia has some of the most poisonous creatures in the world. Children are sometimes bitten or stung inside the house, in the backyard, in the bush and at the beach. It is therefore important to be trained in first aid and keep a first aid kit on hand, in the home, in the car or when going on a bushwalk or holidays.

Many children are admitted to hospital each year as a result of dog bites. Those children most at risk of dog bites are under four years of age. They are often bitten by their own dog at home and around their face and head.

Bee, wasp and ant stings

1. Calm and keep the child still.
2. Bees leave a sting, wasps do not. Use a fingernail or the edge of a knife in a flicking motion to remove the sting. Do not squeeze or dig into the skin.
3. Wrap ice in a wet cloth. Place it on the stung area.
4. If pain and swelling persist, take the child to a doctor.

Allergic reaction
Some children may have an allergic reaction to a bee, wasp or ant sting. This may result in breathing difficulties and can be life-threatening.

1. If you know a child to be allergic to stings, make sure the child wears a medical-alert bracelet and always carries prescribed medication.
2. Calm and keep the child still.
3. Put a pressure bandage (crepe bandage, cloth torn into strips) and splint (a piece of wood, rolled-up newspaper, umbrella) over the bite area.
4. Call an ambulance.
5. If the child has medication for an allergic reaction, give it to the child immediately.
6. If the child becomes unconscious while waiting for an ambulance, you will need to follow the ABCs of dealing with life threatening emergencies

Dog bites

1. Calm the child
2. If the skin has been broken, wash the area under cold running water.
3. Apply an antiseptic and cover the bite with a clean dressing.
4. Take the child to the doctor as a tetanus booster and antibiotics may be necessary.
5. If a piece of flesh has been bitten off, call an ambulance.
6. Control the bleeding by applying firm pressure to the wound using a sterile dressing or clean cloth until the ambulance arrives.
7. If the child is pale or drowsy, lie the child down and raise their legs on a pillow or folded blanket. Do not give the child any food or water.