Bitten by a snake? Here's the first thing to do — it could save your life
Venomous bites can cause swelling, nausea, blurred vision, difficulty breathing, an irregular pulse, abdominal pain, bleeding, or paralysis. Some bites appear minor, leaving only small puncture marks, while serious symptoms develop later.
In case of a bite, immobilize the person, call emergency services, apply a pressure bandage, immobilize the limb, and avoid washing the wound. Prompt medical attention significantly improves the prognosis and can save lives.
Snake bites require calm and immediate intervention. In rural and agricultural areas, knowing first aid can save lives, especially during the warmer months when snakes are more active.
In Australia, the Royal Flying Doctor Service records approximately 3,000 snakebites each year, resulting in nearly 550 hospitalizations and about two deaths. Data from the Australian Snakebite Project shows that brown snakes are responsible for about 41% of confirmed bites, tiger snakes for 17%, and red-bellied black snakes for 16%.
Most victims are men in their thirties, often working in agriculture or spending a lot of time outdoors. However, more than half of the snakebites occur near dwellings rather than deep in the bush.
Snakes can be encountered accidentally, such as while gardening, walking, or trying to move them. Rural properties can attract snakes due to water sources and the presence of rodents, which are their prey.
Prevention aims to reduce these factors. Maintaining your garden, trimming vegetation, and controlling rodents decreases the risk. Wearing protective clothing, such as boots, long trousers, long sleeves, and gloves, is important because over 90% of snake bites occur on the arms or legs.
A dry bite occurs when a snake bites without injecting venom. Symptoms may include pain, redness, or swelling. Because it is impossible to confirm venom immediately, any bite should be considered potentially venomous.
Venomous bites can cause swelling, nausea, blurred vision, difficulty breathing, an irregular pulse, abdominal pain, bleeding, or paralysis. Some bites appear minor, leaving only small puncture marks, while serious symptoms develop later.
In case of a bite, immobilize the person, call emergency services, apply a pressure bandage, immobilize the limb, and avoid washing the wound. Prompt medical attention significantly improves the prognosis and can save lives.
