Poisonous creatures need their poison to kill their prey and, since humans are too large a prey for them, they will usually try to avoid using it needlessly. However, incidents may happen if you stand on something you shouldn’t. An allergic reaction to a relatively unassuming insect, like the black ant, is likely to be more dangerous than any exotic species.

Black Ants

For most people, a bite from a black ant may cause redness and itching. For those allergic to its poison, anaphylactic shock or Quincke’s edema (swelling of the throat) can be rapidly fatal. While you are unlikely to develop these serious reactions from a first bite, allergic people usually have a much stronger reaction than non-allergic people do.

In these cases, it’s advisable to carry an allergy kit consisting of an adrenaline injection and antihistamine tablets. It has been suggested that those who are allergic to poison ivy are definitely at risk of a severe allergic reaction to a bite from this ant.

Symptoms

• Typical symptoms in people who are not allergic include minor swelling, redness and itchiness
• Breathing difficulties, feeling lightheaded or faint, quickened heartbeat, clammy skin, sickness, confusion or anxiety, loss of consciousness, severe swelling or infection are all possible signs of an allergic reaction

Action

• If the person is allergic, seek medical attention immediately
• Administer any medication they may have brought with them, such as an adrenaline injection
• For mild, non-allergic responses, apply a cold compress to the area, or use an antihistamine cream or tablets to reduce itching

Scorpions

The large black scorpion of the sands and the small yellow scorpion of rocky habitats and plantations are the most common in Saudi Arabia. Both can inject strong poison which may cause nasty symptoms, but fatalities are rare.

Symptoms

Pain and numbness at the site of the sting. Drowsiness and disturbances of salivation in mild cases, haemorrhages and convulsions in severe cases.

Action

• Bandage the affected limb firmly (a splint will help prevent movement)
• Do not apply a tourniquet, cut or suck the bite wound. This does not help and can make things worse
• Do not apply ice. The reactive dilation of the blood vessels when the ice is removed causes the venom to spread more rapidly around the body
• There is no anti-venom and treatment is symptomatic. Symptoms subside within three hours. Go to a hospital for more severe cases 

Snakes

Venomous vipers can be distinguished by their bodies and a triangular head, which is separated from the body by a clearly visible neck. They move more slowly than other snakes, and they leave a characteristic track in sand – a series of slanted parallel lines. Their venom is dangerous, but not every bite injects it.

Symptoms

A pair of puncture marks and severe pain at the site of the bite, redness, swelling, nausea, vomiting, laboured breathing, disturbed vision, increased salivation and sweating.

Action

• Lay the victim down and keep them calm and still
• Bandage the affected limb firmly (a splint will help prevent movement)
• Until treatment is given, nothing should be ingested because of the risk of vomiting
• Do not apply a tourniquet, cut or suck the bite wound. This does not help and can make things worse
• Do not apply ice. The reactive dilation of the blood vessels when the ice is removed causes the venom to spread more rapidly around the body
• Try to identify the snake. In Saudi Arabia, there are only a few species of dangerous vipers (See the 'Natural World' section) so the location of the accident, the colour of the snake and a description of its head and markings will help to ensure that the correct anti-venom is used
• Do not try to catch the snake or kill it, as further bites might be incurred
• Go to the nearest hospital

Spiders & Centipedes

Almost all spiders are poisonous, but few can harm humans. In Saudi Arabia, the only spider to stay away from is the Australian redback, which is related to the black widow and is found in urban gardens and the desert. It is recognisable by the red mark on its abdomen. Camel spiders are not dangerous, despite their aggressive appearance, nor are they true spiders. Another arthropod to be wary of is the centipede, which can give a painful sting. Their poison will cause swelling, chills and fever, and in some cases it can cause an anaphylactic shock.

Symptoms

Swelling, pain spreading over large parts of the body, shock, fever, nausea, headache, sweating and a rise in blood pressure. Breathing can become difficult. The bite is often not felt, but noticed later when the wound swells. Small children face the greatest risk.

Action

• Apply ice or something cold to relieve pain and swelling
• If symptoms are severe, seek medical help immediately

Bees, Wasps & Hornets

Saudi Arabia has the common paper wasp and red potter wasps, which do sting, but staying calm and not lashing out will help you avoid an injury. They are typically found near water sources. Bees are less likely to sting.

Symptoms

Stinging and swelling.

Action

• Remove the sting with tweezers or the edge of a knife. Be careful not to apply pressure to the poison sac
• Apply ice or something cold to relieve pain and swelling
• For a sting in the mouth, give the victim ice to suck while you get to the nearest hospital. This is a very dangerous situation, as the swelling can rapidly obstruct the airway

Marine Life Stings

As well as jellyfish and stingrays, coral and anemones also give nasty stings.

Symptoms

Redness, swelling and great discomfort.

Action

• Pour vinegar over the sting for a few minutes to stop the stinging cells from firing
• Apply a paste of sodium bicarbonate (baking soda), mixed with equal parts of water, to the sting
• Dust the area with meat tenderiser (this contains papain, which can inactivate venom) or any dry powder
• If you don’t carry vinegar, baking powder or meat tenderiser to the beach, apply fresh urine to the area
• If the injuries are severe or there are signs of a possible allergic reaction (such as difficulty in breathing), get to a hospital as soon as possible

Marine Life Puncture Wounds

Sea urchin and spiny fish can make painful punctures in the skin.

Symptoms

Redness, swelling and a painful reaction at the puncture site.

Action

• Soak the area in water as hot as the person can stand for at least 30 minutes. Be careful not to add a scalding to their injuries
• Do not pull out any spines that may still be protruding. Go to a hospital to have these removed

Poisonous Plants

As a general rule, you should not pick or eat any wild plants – not only to protect yourself, but also the biodiversity of the sites you’re visiting. Life is tough in the desert for plants, so toxic responses have been developed to help them survive. A research paper published by Al Qassim University about the Kingdom’s poisonous plants, claimed that 10% of wild flora surveyed in the Al Qassim region is believed to be poisonous, with it also cropping up elsewhere in the country. The effects of these species vary widely from skin irritations to upset stomachs and even fatal poisoning. Many toxic plants may be used in traditional medicines, but the poison is typically weakened in the extraction process.

• Ricinus communis, the castor oil plant, is rare, but the pretty seeds of this plant are very poisonous – one would prove fatal if eaten by a child
• Nerium oleander and Rhazya stricta are both from the same family. They are very common, the former in wadis and the latter on gravel plains. All parts of the plants are poisonous. This fact is obviously known by domestic and wild animals as the plants are never grazed and eaten
• Iphiona aucheri is a yellow composite with thick succulent leaves, which has proven poisonous to camels and other mammals. Now the camels have learned to avoid it
• Calotropis procera, also known as the Sodom apple, and Citrullus colocynthis – desert gourd – should be left alone, despite their misleading common names
• Look out for members of the nightshade family, such as Solanum nigrum, commonly called black, or blackberry nightshade, which have appealing-looking berries; Datura stramonium, also known as thorn apple; and Withania somnifera, often referred to as poison gooseberry
• Euphorbia peplis (Purple spurge), Hyoscyamus muticus (Egyptian henbane) and Anagallis arvensis (scarlet pimpernel) feature among many others to watch out for

Symptoms

Ingestion of a toxic plant may cause vomiting, loss of consciousness and impaired breathing.

Action

• Make sure that the casualty’s airway is clear, undoing clothing if necessary
• Try to identify the plant and which part of it has been eaten. Keep pieces of the plant and any vomited material to show the doctor
• Get to a doctor as soon as possible. They can contact an international poison centre if necessary
• Do not try to induce vomiting

Survival Hamper

• Any personal medication
• Paracetamol (such as Panadol). Avoid aspirin or ibuprofen
• Sprains: Stretch bandage, ice-pack
• Insect bites: Allergy kit for any member of the group with known allergies, Aspivenin vacuum pump, after-bite stick or xylocaine ointment, antihistamine tablets or cream
• Fracture: One roll of strong, wide bandage to apply splint
• Cuts and wounds: Adhesive dressing and tape, plasters, antiseptic cream
• Dehydration: Salt sachet (such as Dioralyte), isotonic drinks, water
• Eyes: Sterile eye pad
• Marine stings: Vinegar, sodium bicarbonate, powdered meat tenderiser or any powder
• General: Scissors, sterile or saline water, thermometer, tweezers
• An up-to-date tetanus vaccination