SUMMER in Australia means lots of time spent outdoors ... and the ever-present possibility of coming across creepy crawlies and venomous creatures.
So, would you know what to do if you or someone with you was on the receiving end of a venomous bite or sting?
According to a new survey, nearly half (48 per cent) of Aussies are unsure or not confident they would. But now, there's an app for that!
The free Australian Bites and Stings App is an easy-to-use resource that should be a summer essential for everyone. It also includes a function that provides users with information on which venomous creatures are most relevant to their geo-location.
"The small proportion of people who would know what to do in an emergency is alarming," said Associate Professor Julian White, head of toxicology at the Adelaide Women's and Children's Hospital.
"Knowledge of how to apply first aid to venomous bites and stings is so important, and could potentially save a life."
- Download the app - http://www.seqirus.com.au/bites-app
The survey was commissioned by Seqirus, a CSL company and leading provider of essential vaccines, pharmaceuticals and diagnostic reagents.