When Kirsty Bryant’s 11-month-old son, Henry, was bitten by a deadly funnel-web spider at their home near Coffs Harbour, she lived through what she called “the worst day of her life.”

After seeing a large black spider run up her baby’s arm and noticing a bleeding bite on his finger, Kirsty immediately called for help. As Henry began vomiting, gagging, sweating, and turning red in the face, the situation escalated rapidly. On the way to hospital in the ambulance, Henry stopped breathing—a terrifying moment for any parent.

Thanks to the quick thinking of the responding paramedics, who recognised the possibility of a funnel-web spider bite, Henry was rushed to Coffs Harbour Hospital, where he received three vials of antivenom. While he was being treated, specialists at John Hunter Hospital monitored his condition remotely via video. With his heart racing at 200 beats per minute and the risk of cardiac arrest looming, it became clear Henry needed the specialised care of a paediatric intensive care unit.

That’s where the Rescue Helicopter stepped in. Henry was swiftly airlifted to John Hunter Hospital’s PICU, where he received round-the-clock monitoring, oxygen support, and further care over the following 48 hours. Thanks to the expert medical teams and the speed of the emergency response Henry made a full recovery and is now back home with his family.

Kirsty described the care they received at John Hunter as “amazing,” recalling how the nurses immediately welcomed her into Henry’s room and told her to climb into the bed so he could be placed safely in her arms. After an incredibly emotional weekend, Henry was finally well enough to go home.

We want to take this moment to thank every person and organisation who played a role in Henry’s care—from the first responders and hospital teams to the clinical toxicology experts at Calvary Mater Newcastle and our own flight and medical crews.

Together, we are proud to stand with our partners in health to give our community the very best chance in life-threatening situations.

Thank you for being there when it matters most.