What is the essential initial step in the recommended first aid protocol for managing a black tarantula bite?

Thoroughly washing the bite site with mild soap and water

The foundational step in managing any minor puncture wound, including one inflicted by a tarantula, is meticulous cleaning. The protocol strongly advises using mild soap and water to wash the area thoroughly. This action is critically important because it serves to significantly reduce the risk of a secondary bacterial infection setting in. Often, the consequences of an introduced skin bacteria overwhelming the minor wound are more problematic in the long run than the immediate effects of the tarantula's mild venom. Proper initial decontamination prevents subsequent complications that might require antibiotic treatment.