WBHHS reminds snake bite victims to keep the culprits away from hospitals

Snakes and hospital emergency departments might not seem like the best mix, but following a recent spate of about 100 bites across the Wide Bay, the local health service has been forced to issue a plea to victims.

Snake bite victims are being reminded to leave the culprits at the scene following a rise in the dangerous animals making their way into emergency rooms. Photo Luka Kauzlaric / The Observer

The Wide Bay Hospital and Health Service has reminded people not to take snakes into hospitals following a string of bites that resulted in several of the dangerous reptiles being taken to emergency departments.

In what has been called a “concerning trend” the hospital service says there had been a rise in snake bite patients taking the snake responsible to the hospital, in hopes of aiding the identification process.

Despite this misguided attempt at being helpful WBHHS doctor Adam Michael said the move only endangered staff and other patients.

“We are not wildlife professionals and therefore are not trained to identify a snake even if you bring it to us,” he said.

“We can determine if you need antivenom, and if so, which antivenom, by using clinical signs, blood tests, and snake venom detection kits, which we have at the hospital.”

The health service said it had treated almost 100 snake bite patients already in 2024.

“Over recent months, we have seen several individuals arriving with live snakes following snake bite incidents, posing serious safety risks to themselves, healthcare providers, and other patients,” Dr Michael said.

“Such actions not only endanger lives but also hinder timely treatment.”

Dr David Micheal (left) and Jonas Murphy are encouraging people to include a snake bite kit in their first aid kits. Image credit: WBHHS.

Dr Michael encouraged the community to be more considerate of the wild animals and not to go out of their way to interact with them for any reason.

“Most snake bites occur because someone has gone out of their way to interact with that animal,” he said.

He has issued a reminder for those who may find themselves on the wrong end of a snake.

“People with a suspected or known snake bite should keep calm and call for help. If possible, avoid using or moving the bitten limb.

“Call 000 and ask for an ambulance.”

The advice is recommended for all who may come across a snake, but Dr Michael has encouraged those living in rural or remote areas to become familiar with the first aid practice for snake bites.

“Do not clean the bite site, apply a firm pressure immobilisation bandage to the entire limb,” he said.

“They should then present to their nearest hospital as soon as they can after being bitten.”