Snake bites
snake; poison; poisonous; venom; anti-venom; first; aid; bite; snakebite;;
Contents
Many Australian snakes are very poisonous (venomous). Snakes are also protected and should be left alone.
People are often very frightened of snakes, and fear that they might be bitten by a snake.
Not very many people are bitten by snakes, even though there are lots of snakes living almost everywhere in Australia. Although some Australian snakes can give fatal bites, few people die from snake bites if they get the correct first aid, and anti-venom if needed.
Most snakes seem to prefer to move away from something big that is moving (like a person), but you cannot rely on that to keep yourself safe.
- Avoid putting your hands into places where snakes may shelter, such as holes in logs and trees, holes made by other animals, cracks in the ground, holes in tree roots, and under rocks.
- Wear closed shoes and long pants when walking in places where there may be snakes.
- Do not try to catch or kill a snake. If a snake cannot get away from you it may strike at you.
Protecting children from snake bites
If you live where there are likely to be snakes, make sure that your children know what to do if they see a snake:
- Do not try to touch or kill snakes that you see in the bush or around the house.
- If you see a snake - stay away from it, even if it is a really little one.
- Tell mum or dad, the nearest adult, especially if the snake is near to your school or home.
Make sure that they know that they should always wear shoes that cover their feet (eg joggers) and long pants when walking through grass or the bush.
They need to know that they should not put their hands into places where snakes may shelter, such as holes in logs and trees, holes made by other animals, cracks in the ground, holes in tree roots, and under rocks.
Get them to have a look at the Kid’s Health topic ‘Snake bites'.
Effects of snake bites
- All snake bites should be treated as serious.
- Snake bites may not cause any pain at the site of the bite.
- Some snakes leave twin "fang" marks when they bite, but not all.
- The most dangerous effects usually do not happen until some time after the bite, so do not assume that the person is fine just because there are no symptoms immediately.
- The effects of snake bites can include paralysis (muscles cannot move), muscle damage and internal bleeding.
- Symptoms of snake bite poisoning can also include abdominal (tummy) pain, vomiting, sweating, double vision, headache, blurred vision, difficulty swallowing and breathing, weakness or fainting.
First Aid for snake bites in Australia
First aid information here is adapted from information on the Women's and Children's Hospital (SA) Clinical Toxinology site (see link below).
- Make sure you, the person bitten, and onlookers have moved away from the snake, so there are no more bitten people!
- The bitten person should be reassured and persuaded to lie down and remain still. Many will be terrified, fearing sudden death, and they may be 'freaking out'.
- Reassure the person by letting him or her know that:
- often venom (poison) does not enter the body when a person is bitten by a snake
- the effects happen quite slowly
- modern medical treatment is effective.
- The bite wound should not be tampered with in any way.
- For Australian snakes, do not wash or clean the wound in any way, as this may interfere with venom detection once in a hospital.
- All rings or other jewellery on the bitten limb should be removed. They can become very tight if swelling develops.
- If the bite is on a limb, a broad bandage or torn strips of clothing or pantyhose should be applied over the bitten area at moderate pressure (as tight as you would do it for an ankle injury; not so tight that circulation is stopped), then extended to cover as much of the bitten limb as possible, including fingers or toes.
- If the bandage is hurting, it is too tight.
- Go over the top of clothing rather than move the limb by removing clothing.
- Once the bandage is in place, do not take it off. It should only be taken off in an emergency centre.
- The bitten limb should then be kept as still as possible using a splint or sling made of whatever is available.
- Do not use tourniquets, or cut or suck the wound. Those old western movies have a lot to answer for!
- Do not give the person anything to drink.
If possible, call the emergency service in your area for advice about what to do next. Ring 000 for emergency help in Australia.
- Get the victim to the nearest place where he or she can be seen by a medically trained person as soon as possible.
- Do not let the bitten person walk to help.
- Any movement of muscles in the limb speeds up absorption of the poison.
- If no motor vehicle or boat is available, the patient can be carried on a stretcher, on the pillion or crossbar of a bicycle or on someone's back.
- If the person has any difficulty with breathing or heart function, cardio-pulmonary resuscitation may be needed. Start this and call for emergency help.
Although it might be useful to know what type of snake has caused the bite, do not try to catch or kill the snake, and do not chase it into the bush, because more people might be bitten. People have also been 'bitten' by a dead snake, and have had the poison (venom) enter their body.
Note:
The first aid instructions above relate to Australian snakes. Different first aid measures may be recommended in other countries. Always check your local guidelines.
Snakes in your
garden or house
Keep your garden tidy. Don't leave wood, rubbish, boxes or chairs lying around for snakes to hide under.
If you see a snake in your garden or house, do not try to catch or kill the snake. You could leave it alone to go back into its hole, or if you really want it removed (eg. it may be inside your house) you could ring your local council for information about who to call, or look in the phone book for a snake catcher.
R
esources
Australia
- Emergency services 000 (for emergencies only)
- National Poisons Information Centre Network. 131126 (Local Call Fee). 24 hours, 7 days a week.
References
Clinical Toxinology, Women's and Children's Hospital and University of Adelaide, South Australia
http://www.toxinology.com/index.cfm
- Specific information was found in the resource sheet about the Common Brown Snake, (Pseudonaja textilis), which is commonly found in rural, urban and semi-urban areas in South Australia. Click here
White J, 'Venoms', 'Venomous Australian Snakes', 'Terrestrial Animals', 'Marine Animals', Current Therapeutics, February 2002, vol 43, No.2.
The information on this site should not be used as an alternative to professional care. If you have a particular problem, see a doctor, or ring the Parent Helpline on 1300 364 100 (local call cost from anywhere in South Australia).
This topic may use 'he' and 'she' in turn - please change to suit your
child's sex.