OMAHA, Neb. --

A Grand Island, Neb., paramedic was the one in need of critical help recently when a black widow spider bit him on the arm.

The venom traveling through J.J. Wohlers' arm caused discoloration and unbearable pain.

Then it almost killed him.

His blood thickened, resulting in a stroke.

A blood clot in his leg was discovered before it made its way to his heart.

Wohlers is recovering from the incident.

Experts say black widows are common in Nebraska.

Males have yellow and red bands and spots.

Females, the poisonous sex, have a red hourglass shape on their stomach.

Copyright 2008 by KETV.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.