Snake bites rise in Australia: How to stay safe, give first aid

A fatal snake bite in Queensland has prompted a timely reminder to beware of the reptiles. See how you can safeguard your home and administer first aid if needed.

The death of a Queensland man following a suspected brown snake bite has highlighted the importance of being aware of snake activity and first aid.

The man, aged in his sixties, was reportedly bitten on his hand on a private property in the Lockyer Valley, about 50km from Brisbane. He died before paramedics arrived.

The snake species is yet to be confirmed following a toxicology report, but is believed to be an eastern brown. Police will prepare a report for the coroner and are not treating the death as suspicious.

Hot and humid weather around Australia has created perfect conditions for snakes to become more active as they move around to feed and mate.

A Queensland man died after a suspected eastern brown snake bite. Picture: Supplied

Australian Medical Association (NSW) president Dr Michael Bonning recently issued a warning for residents to keep a lookout for venomous snakes and refresh their knowledge of snake first aid.

“Encountering one of Australia’s deadliest reptiles while on a bush walk, or even in your own home or backyard can be frightening,” he said.

“Although snakes don’t go out of their way to harm humans, if frightened they can strike so it’s important to know what to do in these instances.”

Dr Michael Bonning is warning Aussies to be alert for snakes. Picture: Toby Zerna

Wet and humid weather can also force snakes to leave their natural habitats and search for drier areas, said Dr Bonning.

“Little things like shutting your windows and fly screen doors, keeping your lawn well mowed and maintained, and avoid piling on tin sheets or wood in your yard, can reduce the risk of snakes becoming your house mates,” he said.

“Signs of a snake bite are not always visible, and in some cases you may not even feel the bite occur. It’s crucial to treat all known or suspected snake bites as potentially life-threatening, regardless of whether you know if the snake was venomous or not.”

Signs and symptoms of a snake bite can depend on the type of snake.

According to St John Ambulance Australia, symptoms to look out for include immediate or delayed pain on bite site, swelling, bruising or bleeding, swollen and tender glands, faintness, nausea and vomiting, headache, blurred vision, drooping eyelids, difficulty speaking or swallowing, limb weakness or paralysis, dark urine, chest pain, and difficulty breathing.

“Once you follow DRSABCD, immediately call 000,” said Dr Bonning.

“Time is critical when it comes to venomous bites. Whilst you wait for an ambulance, lie down and keep the victim as calm and still as possible.

“If you have a first aid kit handy, apply an elasticised roller bandage over the bite wound – if you don’t have one, a flannel or T-shirt will do the job too.

“Then apply another elasticised roller bandage (or flannel) firmly over the bitten limb, starting from the fingers or toes and moving upwards. This should be as tight as possible and you should be unable to get any fingers under there.”

The next step is to immobilise the bandaged limb by using splints. If you don’t have a first aid kit handy, large sticks can do the job too.

“If you’re alone when you get bitten, follow these steps but remain calm and still. Don’t move at all, call for help, and apply pressure immediately,” Dr Bonning said.

It’s also important to note down the time the bite occurred and to not wash the venom off the skin or clothes because it can assist with identification of the snake.