BLUF
The Sydney funnel-web spider—considered the world’s deadliest spider—has caused no deaths since 1981 thanks to effective anti-venom and first-aid protocols. This has transformed a once-lethal threat into a manageable medical emergency in Australia.Learning Outcomes:
- Recognise the effectiveness of rapid-response medical countermeasures in mitigating high-risk environmental threats.
- Understand the importance of early intervention, immobilisation, and transport protocols in venomous bite management.
- Apply lessons from civilian biothreat management to enhance field medical readiness and survival in austere or deployed environments.
