Townsville childcare centre under investigation after Jerromy Brookes dies of snake bite

A Townsville childcare centre is under investigation after a beloved father of three tragically lost his life after being bitten multiple times by an eastern brown snake.

A Townsville childcare centre is under investigation after a beloved father of three tragically lost his life after being bitten multiple times by an eastern brown snake.

Deeragun dad Jerromy Brookes, 47, died after being bitten multiple times by an eastern brown snake while removing it from a childcare centre in Townsville on Tuesday.

Shortly after returning to his family’s Orillia Court home, Mr Brookes went into cardiac arrest and sadly passed away despite his wife Narelle’s best efforts to save him.

She bandaged the bite wounds on his left arm and preformed CPR until paramedics arrived.

Deeragun man Jerromy Brookes died after being bitten multiple times by a snake on Tuesday.

However, the fact that Mr Brookes wasn’t a qualified snake catcher has raised questions as to why he was attempting the dangerous removal in the first place.

Family friend Michelle O’Connor said he was just “doing his very best to keep the children safe” in a GoFundMe campaign she launched to help Narelle and their kids.

“Narelle has worked in childcare for over 20 years and is a much loved educator by children, families and her work colleagues,” she wrote.

“Jerromy was helping remove a snake from another childcare centre in Townsville when the incident occurred.”

A Workplace Health and Safety Queensland spokeswoman confirmed they had launched an investigation into the incident.

“Workplace Health and Safety Queensland (WHSQ) is investigating an incident that occurred at a business in Townsville (March 19, 2024),” she said.

“As this is a current investigation, WHSQ is not able to provide further information at this time.”

Queensland Ambulance Service Acting Area Director Paula Marten. Picture: Evan Morgan

Queensland Ambulance Service acting district director Paula Marten said while snake bites were common in North Queensland, they were very rarely fatal.

“When you’re bitten by a snake and you’re not aware of snakes, treat them as if they are venomous,” she said.

“It’s really important that you stay calm and keep the person calm.

“Apply basic first aid, which would be immobilisation and using compression bandages, and contact triple-0.

“If you are unsure about what first aid measures to take, call triple-0, and they will walk you through what you need to do for the patient.”

Originally published as Townsville childcare centre under investigation after Jerromy Brookes dies of snake bite