One of the biggest fears of those wandering in the Australian bush or countryside is encountering a snake. Australia is home to approximately one hundred venomous species of snakes – seven of which are the deadliest in the world – yet death by snake bite is as low as around 1 to 3 people per year. There are more annual deaths due to wasp and bee stings, rather than snake bites.
Interestingly, most who have encountered a snake would have to agree that they are far more fearful of the encounter than we are, and will do their utmost to get away – unlike humans, who will often pursue them, try to capture them, kill them, tease them – then wonder why they have been bitten ?? . . .
Alcohol and snakes most definitely DO NOT mix.
Common sense and caution must prevail. Be careful around wood piles, old logs, never stick your arm in a hole in a log where a snake may be sleeping, walk loudly through long grass – giving time for the snake to move away, never corner, chase or try and catch a snake unless you are highly qualified, keep a watchful eye and listen to the bush around you – it is said that the Aborigines could smell a snake before they could see them . . .
Snakes can swim. If you should encounter a snake, do not panic – observe and leave them well alone. Remember, it is a really great idea to watch where you are going, take the music machines out of your ears – snakes are well camouflaged and the last thing you would wish to do is step, jump or sit on one !!!
Another noteworthy piece of information is that though Australian snakes are given names such as a ‘Brown’ or a ‘Tiger’ – however, the ‘Brown Snake’ can vary from a brown to olive green and even grey in colour – and it is not only the ‘Tiger Snake’ that presents with stripes. Juveniles of all species of snakes can vary greatly in looks from their adult counterparts.
Identification can be difficult, and remember, juveniles can be as deadly as adults . . .
Non venomous snakes, as with any reptile or animal, must be treated with respect too. They, like us, will do all they can to stay safe, alive, unharmed, and, protect their young.
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When bitten
After identifying that you have been bitten (which may be difficult as the bite may be small and barely unidentifiable), you must not panic and take a minute to assess the situation
Assess the wound – the wound can present with the classic paired puncture marks, however, more often there are just a few lacerations or scratches which can be painless or even go unnoticed . . .
DO NOT Panic – easy to say, but, remaining as calm and still as possible can be the key to your survival
Should you be so unlucky to be bitten by a snake, there are innumerable combinations of variables that affect the outcome. For example, the size, age, and health of both the snake and the person bitten; the body temperature, mood (i.e. an annoyed or angry snake will deliver more venom than one that is merely startled), toxicity and quantity of venom delivered as snakes have complete control over how much venom they inject; sensitivity and/or allergies of the person bitten; infection; to name a few . . .
Remember – not all snake bites are fatal
DO NOT run for help as this will increase your metabolism and cause the venom to spread more quickly
Minimise movement – remembering that you shouldn’t move a whole lot, unless you are in a unique situation when you are by yourself, without a phone or out of range, say bush-walking, and have to somehow raise the alert
Call 000 for an ambulance as soon as practicable
DO NOT remove clothing – keeping the victim calm and minimising movement is paramount
Apply a pressure bandage – as tight as you would for a sprained ankle – and not just specifically to the site of the wound, but to most of the limb → starting below the site of the bite, moving towards the heart. The finished bandage should reach from just above the fingers or toes as far up the limb as possible, incorporating a splint or a sling as applicable. Tourniquets are out – as they stop blood flow. Snake venom flows via the lymphatic system – not the bloodstream. Immobilisation and slowing the flow is key – pressure bandages restrict muscle movement, thus slowing all systems whilst maintain the circulatory system. All First Aid is totally dependent on the materials available to you – out in the bush, use your shirt as a bandage and / or sling, sticks as splints, whatever you can find . . .
Do try and remember as many details of the snake as possible – take a photo if you can, as any information of the snake’s colour, pattern, etc. will be important to identifying what type of snake it is and the treatment you need.
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What NOT to do when bitten
– No washing the area of the wound
– No sucking out the venom
White Crowned Snake – sadly a victim of the road – Childers, QLD
– No painkillers
– No tourniquets
– No ice pack
– No raising limb
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Symptoms
– Dizziness / headache
– Fainting
– Increased thirst
– Vision blurred
– Severe pain / fever
– Discolouration, burning sensation and swelling around wound
– Rapid pulse / low blood pressure
– Loss of coordination / weakness
– Vomiting / diarrhoea
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Pets – snake bite symptoms
– Your pet is drowsy and cannot stay awake
– Somewhat paralyzed
– Vomiting / frothing at the mouth
– Diarrhea or fits or convulsions
– Drooping eye lids
– Pupils are dilated
If your pet is showing any of these symptoms contact a vet immediately and take your pet straight there. Your Pet could immediately show symptoms or it could take hours . . .
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