First aid for taipan envenomation is pressure-immobilisation.

Signs and Symptoms

The onset of severe symptoms can be rapid in cases of taipan envenomation. Signs and symptoms of taipan or inland taipan are:

• Neurological impairment
• Paralysis
• Incoaguable blood
• Rhabdomyolysis is a feature of taipan envenomation, but likely to be of lesser clinincal significance

Treatment

First aid for taipan envenomation consits of a pressure bandage and immobilisation. In cases where a pressure bandage has been applied correctly, it can be left in situ indefinitely while the patient is feeling no discomfort as a result. If it becomes appropriate to remove a pressure bandage, it is necessary to have antivenom and haemostatic support ready. In severe cases, a patient may require ventilatory support.

Antivenom is indicated for any clinical manifestations of neurotoxicity or myolysis.

Antivenom

Taipan antivenom supplied by CSL Ltd is equine in origin.

Photo: R. Lowe, AVRU