With Queensland paramedics attending to more than 500 snake bites in the past year, and the hot weather bringing out the snakes, it is important for North West residents to know what to do in case of snake bite, says the Director of Emergency Department at Mount Isa Hospital, Dr Ulrich Orda.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Mount Isa Hospital Director of Emergency Dr Ulrich Orda said although snakes could be encountered throughout the year in Queensland, they were more active in the summer months.
“Everyone needs to be aware we share the environment with a number of potentially dangerous snakes and should know what to do if bitten.’’
Dr Orda said the Department of Environment and Resource Management website showed Queensland was home to about 120 species of snakes and about 65 per cent of those were venomous.
He said Mount Isa Hospital’s emergency department (ED) had recorded about 20 snake bite-related presentations so far in 2016.
“If you’re bitten by a snake in your garden or out bushwalking, it’s important to know what to do,” Dr Orda said.
“For those bitten, the outcome is good if they can get to hospital in time, but sometimes snake bite victims do not even know they have been bitten.
“Some people describe the bite as a feeling like a needle or a scratch; others describe it as a bump with not a lot of pain.
“Sometimes people might simply start to feel unwell and it is wise that they check themselves for scratches and puncture marks.
“Snake bites can also leave bruising, bleeding or swelling around the wound.”
After a snake bite or suspected snake bite, Dr Orda’s advice is:
- Check airway, breathing and circulation.
- Call 000 for an ambulance for transport to the emergency department of the nearest hospital.
- Don’t attempt to drive yourself to hospital. Sit or lie down, stay as still as possible.
- Apply a pressure immobilisation bandage as soon as possible. Apply a firm bandage over the bite site, and then cover the entire limb. The bandage should be as tight as you would apply to a sprained ankle.
- Immobilise the limb using a splint. Any rigid object may be used as a splint – e.g. spade,piece of wood or tree branch, rolled up newspapers etc.
- Keep the patient absolutely still and encourage them to remain calm.
- Only non-alcoholic liquids should be dispensed to the patient. Do not give the victim food.
“We do not advise using a tourniquet or cutting or sucking the venom from the wound,’’ Dr Orda said.
“Also don’t wash residual venom off as it can be used as a sample to identify the snake involved.’’
Dr Orda said prevention was always better than the cure.
“We know snakes are around so avoid walking through long grass, but if you do, make sure to wear long pants and boots,’’ he said.
“Also wear sturdy gloves if you are working in or around the garden as gardens are great places for snakes to sleep.”
Many bites occur when people try to kill snakes they find around the house. Medical and wildlife experts agree the best advice is to leave snakes alone.
If a snake needs to be removed, don’t take the risk. Call an expert. The species most commonly recorded in Queensland as being the cause of snake-bite presentations to hospitals are Brown Snakes, Black Snakes, Tiger Snakes and Taipans – in that general order – with the majority of cases being due to Brown snakes.
Information on dealing with snake bites is available on the Department of Health website on: www.health.qld.gov.au/poisonsinformationcentre/bites_stings/bs_snakes.asp and www.health.qld.gov.au/poisonsinformationcentre/bites_stings/bs_pressure.asp
