Snake season is well and truly upon us and the death of a WA woman by snake bite last week serves as a timely reminder of what to do if bitten.
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In this recent incident, the 83-year-old grandmother didn’t think the bite was serious until she started vomiting in hospital.
Snake bites traditionally increase in spring before peak season in late December and January, according to Southern NSW Local Health District (SNSWLHD) Director Public Health, Tracey Oakman.
From now and through to the end of summer, everyone should be on the lookout for snakes and carry a first aid kit, the latest advice from SNSWLHD.
Quick administration of first aid has proven to be lifesaving to a person bitten by a snake.
“If you live in or are holidaying in a regional area, especially while camping, try to avoid being bitten in the first place by not interfering with snakes and wear long pants and sturdy boots if walking in areas where snakes are present,” Mrs Oakman said. “Also, ensure you are prepared and know what to do.”
What to do if a person is bitten by a snake (or spider):
- Keep the person rested and the affected limb still;
- Put an elasticised bandage on the affected area, starting with the bite area, down to the fingers or toes and then up the limb to the hip or shoulder;
- Call an ambulance once first aid has been applied.
“Tourniquets should not be applied and the bite site should not be cut or sucked. Move slowly away from the snake and don’t try to kill it,” Oakman added.
NSW hospitals are prepared for snake season with a comprehensive list of local species and treatment protocols.
Hospital emergency departments have antivenom to treat bites from black, brown and tiger snakes.
Symptoms from a venomous bite include:
- Nausea;
- Vomiting;
- Headache; and
- Collapsing, requiring resuscitation, in the case of severe brown snake bites.
“Brown snake bites are probably the most common snake bite nationally and in NSW and there are also lots of red-bellied black snakes, which are treated with tiger snake antivenom,” Oakman said.
- For further information, see the NSW Poisons Information Centre at the Children’s Hospital at Westmead: www.poisonsinfo.nsw.gov.au/Frequently-Asked- Questions/Have-I-been-bitten-by-something-poisonous.aspx
