1. The One Number You Need: 13 11 26
The Poisons Information Centre is a national 24/7 hotline available from anywhere in Australia.
- Who answers? You will speak directly to a pharmacist or medical scientist trained in toxicology.
- The Cost: It is a free service (local call costs may apply from mobiles).
- Language Support: If you need an interpreter, call TIS National (131 450) first and ask them to connect you to 13 11 26.
2. When to Call the Poisons Line (Not 000)
Call 13 11 26 if the person is conscious and breathing but you are worried about:
- Bites & Stings: Spiders, snakes, jellyfish, bees, or unknown “creepy crawlies.”
- Medication Errors: Taking the wrong dose or the wrong medicine.
- Chemical Exposure: Swallowing cleaning products, getting bleach in eyes, or inhaling fumes.
- Plants/Mushrooms: If a child (or adult) has eaten a berry or mushroom from the garden.
Crucial 2026 Rule: If the person is unconscious, having a seizure, or struggling to breathe, skip the poisons line and call Triple Zero (000) immediately.
3. 2026 First Aid: The “Pressure Immobilisation” Rule
For the most dangerous Australian creatures (Snakes, Funnel-web spiders, Blue-ringed octopus), the 2026 guidelines emphasize the Pressure Immobilisation Technique (PIT):
- Do NOT wash the bite: In 2026, doctors use the venom left on the skin to identify the creature and choose the right antivenom.
- Bandage Firmly: Use a broad pressure bandage (like a crepe bandage) and wrap the entire limb, starting from the fingers/toes and moving up.
- Stay Still: Movement helps venom travel through your lymph system. The victim must remain completely still until the ambulance arrives.
4. Hot vs. Cold: Treating Marine Stings
In 2026, the treatment for marine stings depends heavily on where you are:
- Bluebottles (Common): Use hot water (approx. 45°C) for 20 minutes to break down the protein in the venom.
- Tropical Jellyfish (Box/Irukandji): Use Vinegar immediately to stop any un-fired stingers from releasing more venom. Never use fresh water, as it triggers more stings.
5. Essential Tool: The “Australian Bites and Stings” App
Updated for 2026 by CSL Seqirus, this free app is a must-have for your phone’s “Safety” folder.
- Offline Access: The first aid guides work even if you are hiking in a “dead zone” with no signal.
- Identification Guide: High-quality photos help you identify what bit you.
- Direct Call Button: Includes a one-tap button to call 000 or the Poisons Line.
Summary Checklist
- Save 13 11 26 in your phone as “Poisons Information.”
- Download the Australian Bites and Stings App.
- Keep a broad crepe bandage in your backpack if you go hiking.
- Don’t panic: Australia has excellent antivenoms, and deaths from bites are extremely rare in 2026.
