Investigation launched after QLD dad-of-three died removing venomous snake

The Queensland dad-of-three tragically died while trying to remove the venomous reptile from the childcare. 

An investigation is underway after a dad-of-three was fatally bitten by a snake he was trying to remove from a children’s daycare centre.

Jerromy Brookes, 47, was called to take a venomous snake away from the daycare centre, and despite not being a qualified snake catcher, managed to secure the reptile in a bag and placed it in the car.  

However, after attempting to wrangle the snake on the way home, he was bitten on the hand several times and suffered cardiac arrest in his Deeragun home, tragically dying in Townsville Hospital.  

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Jerromy Brookes died on Tuesday afternoon after being bitten by a suspected Brown Snake. Source: Facebook

Investigation launched into dad-of-three’s death

Following his death, Workplace Health and Safety Queensland confirmed they were launching an investigation into the incident.

The investigation is expected to uncover why Jerromy was called to remove the reptile, as he was not a qualified snake catcher. 

“As this is a current investigation, WHSQ is not able to provide further information at this time,” a spokesperson told 7News. 

According to Queensland Ambulance Service acting district director Paula Marten, when Jerromy went into cardiac arrest, his wife immediately commenced CPR.

It’s believed Jerromy’s wife is a childcare worker but was not associated with the childcare centre where the incident occurred. 

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When paramedics arrived, the father-of-three  “was found to be in cardiac arrest.” 

“The call was made by the patient’s wife, who then commenced CPR as the patient went into cardiac arrest,” Marten said. 

“The information provided to us was that the gentleman had been bitten in a different location and attended back to his residence, where his wife had immobilised his arm and wrapped it when the onset of the symptoms occurred.”  

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It’s believed the snake was an eastern brown snake, which is an extremely venomous reptile found in central and eastern Australia, however, the species has not been confirmed by authorities.  

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

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

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

Originally published as Investigation launched after QLD dad-of-three died removing venomous snake