Miami

The Miami Dade County Fire Department (MDFD) is the home to an unusual group of specialist firemen, the Venom1 Response Unit. This team, founded by Captain Al Cruz in the 1990's, provides a variety of venom-related services to the Miami-Dade County as well as to wider Florida, the USA and Central and South American Community. Dr Ken Winkel was first contacted by Captain Cruz on September 12, 2001, concerning the first serious Australian elapid envenomation in the USA. This index case, caused by the bite of a Papuan taipan (Oxyuranus scutellatus canni) and successfully treated with CSL taipan and polyvalent antivenom, stimulated further mutual interest in each groups activities including public education. Dr Winkel has visited the MDFD with a view to collaborative projects to improve US and Australian bite and sting management.