Mackay Base Hospital reports 97 snake bites, 5 venomous in 2022-2023

Queensland doctors are calling for more education on snake bites after nearly 100 were recorded in the same city where a grandfather died of a heart attack while handling one of the reptiles.

After a grandfather died at his school reunion, doctors are calling for more education on snake bites and report there have been nearly 100 incidents in the last year.

Doctors are calling for more education on snake bites and report there has been nearly 100 in the Mackay region alone in the past year.

Mackay Base Hospital reported 97 snake bites between 2022 and 2023, but just five of these patients were envenomated.

There have been 15 bites since July 1 with reasons ranging from gardening to trying to save a dog to just going for a jog.

It comes after the shock revelation that grandfather Donald Morrison was not poisoned by a snake bite at the Koumala State School centenary reunion despite being bitten on Saturday, September 9.

The 68-year-old went into cardiac arrest about 6.30pm after he successfully removed the snake from his mate’s ankle.

While it’s since been confirmed the grandfather did not die of venom, the high-profile nature of the tragedy combined with warnings about a busy snake season, has put the associated risks back in the spotlight.

Donald (Donny) Morrison was killed from being bitten by a snake after he successfully removed it from his mate's ankle at Koumala. Picture: Facebook

As the community reels from the loss, MBH Emergency Department senior medical officer Dr Pushpa Nettle said education about first aid was critical.

“We are reminding people to be vigilant about snake bites now that temperatures are on the rise,” Dr Nettle said.

“Knowing snake bite first aid is critical and can save a life.

Senior Medical Officer Dr Pushpa Nettle.

“The first and most important thing to do is to call triple-0 or get someone else to go for help. Please don’t drive yourself to hospital.

“As long as you’re not in danger of being bitten again, remain where you are.

“Venom travels through your lymphatic system so the more you move the faster it is pumped around your body.

Snake bite first aid is “critical” in parts of Australia where snake season is year-round. File Photo.

“What we don’t want people to do is wash, suck, cut or tourniquet the bite. These methods are outdated and can be dangerous.”

Dr Nettle said these “old methods” for treating bites were now known to “cause more harm than good”, instead recommending applying a pressure immobilisation bandage as soon as possible.

People who are bitten by a venomous snake can often feel very well with little to no symptoms.

But Dr Nettle said signs like a headache, double vision, difficulty breathing, stroke-like symptoms or bleeding from a bite site can indicate whether a snake was venomous.

Though warmer weather is on the way, snake season is year-round in the Greater Whitsunday region and even non-venomous bites are serious.

Originally published as Mackay Base Hospital reports 97 snake bites, 5 venomous in 2022-2023