Child taken to Geelong hospital after snake bite in Teesdale

A child has been bitten by a snake in Teesdale after a few days of warmer weather across the region.

A child was transported to Geelong University Hospital after being bitten by a snake on Thursday evening. Picture: Mark Wilson

A child was taken to hospital after being bitten by a snake on Thursday evening in Teesdale.

An Ambulance Victoria spokeswoman said paramedics were called to reports of an incident in Teesdale at about 5.35pm.

She said a child was transported by road ambulance to Geelong hospital in a stable condition.

Snake Catcher Geelong’s Darren Keiller said since the beginning of October he had been very busy with calls to safely relocate snakes.

“I’ve only had four days since the start of the month where I haven’t had any calls, and every other day is no less than three or four,” he said.

“People should never approach snakes, stay 5m or more away and call a snake catcher when they see one.

“People should also keep bandages and anything you need if bitten in an appropriate place.”

Barwon Health emergency director Dr Belinda Hibble said if a person suspected they were bitten by a snake they should lie down and call triple-0 immediately.

“If it is known where the bite occurred, mark this with an ‘X’ and apply a pressure bandage to the limb and make sure toes and fingers are still pink and have normal feeling,” she said.

“Do not wash or suck the bite site.

“Splint the limb with anything you have available, and remain lying down until help arrives.”

Originally published as Child taken to Geelong hospital after snake bite in Teesdale