16 November, 2022
Snake bites rising in Darling Downs
The warmer weather over the last two months has seen a predictable increase in the number of people admitted to Emergency Departments (ED) with snake bites according to Darling Downs Health.
In September, 19 people were admitted to ED with snake bites while October saw 13 people admitted.
Executive Director Rural, Dr Christopher Cowling said it was important to learn early effective first-aid if you or a family member is bitten, especially if you are bush walking in remote areas
“While snakes can be encountered at any time of the year, we know more people present to our emergency departments with snakes bites during Spring and Summer, “ Dr Cowling said.
“If you do come across a snake, don’t try to touch it, or pick it up but instead back away to a safe distance.”
After a snake bite or a suspected snake bite people should
•Check airway, breathing and circulation. If the patient has collapsed commence CPR immediately.
•Call 000 for an ambulance to the Emergency Department of the nearest hospital. Treat any snake bite as an emergency regardless of whether you think the snake was venomous or not.
•Don’t attempt to drive yourself to hospital or walk. Sit down and stay as still as possible.
•Apply a pressure immobilisation bandage as soon as possible. Apply a firm bandage over the bite site then cover the entire limb.
•Immobilise the limb using a splint. Any rigid object may be used as a splint eg. spade, piece of wood or tree branch or rolled up newspapers.
•Keep still and try to remain calm.
You should not wash venom off the skin, cut the bitten area, suck the venom out, or use a tourniquet.
“If a snake needs to be relocated from your home, leave it to the professionals and call a snake catcher,” Dr Cowling said.
The species most commonly recorded in Queensland as being the cause of most snake bite presentations to hospitals are brown, black, tiger and taipan snakes, with the majority being brown snakes.
