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Pindara Private Hospital Magazine - Issue Nine

Snakes We are famous for poisonous snakes and three of our best made it into the top 10: the Eastern Brown Snake, the Taipan and the Death Adder. The venomous Australian snakes all have a multitude of toxins that travel within the lymphatic system of their victim. This means that a properly applied Pressure Immobilisation Bandage (PIB) is the key to the first aid. Anecdotally, the common teaching is that no one has ever died where a properly applied PIB has been used in a timely fashion. This technique is well described and demonstrated on various websites but involves wrapping a bandage firmly (but not too tightly) around the entire affected limb staring from the furthest point (fingers or toes) and then splinting the limb and not using it. Once at hospital, a series of examinations, blood tests, swabs and other tests can be used to determine firstly whether envenomation has taken place, and if so, which anti-venom will be most helpful. Whilst there have been approximately 50 deaths in the last 35 years, the overwhelming majority of these have been males with alcohol in their system. So if you are not male and not drunk then you have a fairly good chance of survival! Honey Bees The final ‘deadly beast’, taking out the number two spot on the Australian Museum’s list is the humble honey bee! Whilst responsible for the production of my favourite natural sweet treat, and pollinating much of the world's crops and flowers, a significant proportion of the world’s population are actually severely allergic to the sting of a bee. Anaphylaxis to this poor little insect kills two to three people every year. Intramuscular injection of adrenalin is the treatment of choice for this condition. With commercial ‘Epipens’ now readily available, often susceptible individuals will be carrying the treatment with them. It sounds terrifying doesn't it? And all of these creatures live around Australians and could strike at any time. But considering that 22 people died falling off ladders in 2005 (according to a report published by the Australian Government), and ladder related injuries accounted for 16,800 hospital stays that year, this holiday period worry a little less about the dangerous creatures and a little more about falling off the ladder whilst hanging Christmas decorations. Be careful putting up those lights! Uniradiology is focused on offering little to no waiting time, with BULK BILLING facilities available to all eligible Medicare approved procedures. We provide a high level of professional diagnostic services to referring doctors and patients. Together with our investment in the latest technology, our highly regarded and professional staff, Uniradiology is sure to be one of the leaders in diagnostic imaging. We offer the following services:  Joint Injections New location with ample patient parking Uniradiology Gold Coast 26 Railway St, Southport Ph: 5531 9300 www.uniradiology.com.au  High Definition Ultrasound  Low Dose Multi Slice CT  Mammography  Fine Needle Aspirations  Obstetric Ultrasound  Bone Mineral Denistometry  X-Ray  Breast Core Biopsy BULK BILLING pindaramagazine.com.au Pindara Magazine 19


Pindara Private Hospital Magazine - Issue Nine
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