Wildlife

As Noonaweena is an Australian bush property, there is natural wildlife around. Most of these, such as the beautiful birds & wallabies, can be observed with enjoyment. There are, however, several sighted animals that may cause you some concern.

Walking Tracks

We highly recommend that you use common sense, wear long trousers & closed-in shoes, and take someone with you when you head out on one of our beautiful walking tracks. Should you require medical attention, it is best to stay where you are and send your walking partner back to seek help. Be assured all our full-time staff hold current. St. John Senior First Aid qualifications. However below are some basic first aid instructions (as approved by St Johns Gosford office, July 2008) for you to convey to your group. Please report all accidents and bites to our staff, whether they require further intervention or not.

Leeches

As you walk around the property, particularly down to
the natural Spring, you may encounter a leech. They are attracted to body warmth and movement and find their way into socks & jeans, where they latch onto skin and begin sucking. They are not dangerous but best to get
rid of them. You will need to sprinkle the leech with salt (they will curl up & drop off), wash the area, and apply a dressing until the bleeding stops. Don’t ever pull a leech off your skin as the anticoagulant remains where they were attached, and you will continue to bleed. The wound may take days to heal.

Insects

The greatest risk from general insect bites is an allergic reaction. Remove the sting and apply a cold compress (approximately 15 mins) to treat mild reactions. Those who are allergic to bee stings, or any other insect must seek medical aid immediately and apply pressure immobilisation bandage, and administer their EpiPen if available. Using antihistamine lotion (or tablets) may help mild reactions.

Scorpions

While the areas around the lodgings are regularly sprayed, you may come across a scorpion. Despite sometimes intense local pain from a bite (usually lasting less than 1 hour), these scorpions are not lethal, and most stings will settle rapidly. A cold pack/compress to the area is all that is required. Do not apply a bandage or tourniquet or cut, suck or incise the wound. If the pain remains severe after an hour or develops general symptoms, fever, aching joints or a history of allergy, seek medical aid urgently and apply a pressure immobilisation bandage.

Spiders

Spider bites are extremely rare, however, the three most dangerous species (funnel-webs, red-backs & white-tailed spiders) may be seen on the property despite active
pest control.

If a bite does occur, from a funnel-web spider follow the first aid plan below:

1. If the spider is still attached, immediately remove it, being careful not to sustain further bites.
2. The bitten person should be reassured and must lie down & remain still.
3. The bite wound should not be tampered with in any way.
4. If the bite is on a limb, apply a firm broad bandage not less than 7.5cm (crepe, heavy crepe or pressure immobilisation bandage) starting just above the fingers or toes and as far up the limb as possible. Ensure the casualty does not move.
5. The bitten limb should then be immobilised using a splint.
6. If there is any impairment of vital functions such as respiration, airway, circulation, heart function, these must be the priority.
7. Nil by mouth, absolutely no alcohol. No sedatives outside hospital. Clear fluids to prevent dehydration can be given but only if considerable delay before medical intervention, only if they are conscious.
8. DO NOT wash the bite as the venom will assist in identifying the spider/snake.
9. An ambulance must be called ASAP for hospital care.
10. If it is SAFE to do so, the spider can be placed in a sealed container for identification by the hospital.

If a bite does occur, from a red-back spider follow this simple first aid plan:

1. Rest the casualty.
2. Apply cold pack/compress to the area to lessen the pain.
3. Seek medical aid promptly.

If a bite does occur, from a white tailed and other spiders follow this simple first aid plan:

1. Wash with soap and water.
2. Apply cold  pack/compress to relieve the pain/discomfort.
3. Seek medical aid if casualty develops severe symptoms.

Snakes

1. If you come across a snake, it will usually try to get out of your way, so let it do so. In the rare event of a bite, do NOT wash the bite area as the venom on the skin can help identify the snake.
2. Follow the first aid plan for Funnel-web spiders. Follow steps 1 through to 9.
3. Write down the time of the bite and when the bandage was applied.
4. Black & brown snakes are dangerous and have been sighted on the property – however, don’t guess at identification if you are not sure.
5. DO NOT take off jeans or other clothing but CUT off ALL fabric on the affected limb as the bandage must not go over clothing. Any movement will make the venom travel more quickly through the system.
6. The bitten person must NOT be walk to get help if possible – leave them where they are & we will endeavour to get a vehicle to you as soon as possible.
7. Also, don’t try & force the venom out of the bitten area as this does not work.
8. DO take off jewellery on the bitten limb as they can become very tight if swelling develops. Try to remain calm & we will assist you as soon as we are alerted.