Australia is home to some of the world’s most venomous creatures, including snakes. According to the Australian Snakebite Project, there are approximately 3,000 snake bites in Australia each year, with around 500 of those requiring medical attention.
It’s crucial to understand the dangers of venomous snakes and how to stay safe in their presence. Snake bites can cause serious injury and even death, so it’s important to be aware of the risks and to take steps to prevent a bite. The best way to stay safe is to be aware of your surroundings and to avoid areas where snakes are likely to be found. If you do come across a snake, it’s best to back away slowly and not to provoke it. If you are bitten, it’s important to seek medical help immediately.
With International Snake Bite Awareness Day falling on the 19th of September each year, it aims to promote awareness regarding snake bite prevention, and proper first aid responses in the case of a snake bite incident, which can potentially save lives and prevent life-long injury.
Tiger Snake
Identifying different types of snakes in Australia
Australia is home to over 140 species of land snakes, with around 100 of those being venomous.
Types of venomous snakes in Australia
Some of the most common types of venomous snakes found in Australia include:
- Eastern Brown Snake (Pseudonaja textilis): Highly venomous and responsible for a significant number of snakebite incidents in Australia.
- Coastal Taipan (Oxyuranus scutellatus): Extremely venomous and known for its potent neurotoxic venom.
- Inland Taipan (Oxyuranus microlepidotus): Often referred to as the “fierce snake,” it has the most toxic venom of any snake in the world.
- Tiger Snake (Notechis spp.): Found in various habitats across southern Australia and known for its potent venom.
- Red-bellied Black Snake (Pseudechis porphyriacus): Commonly found near water sources, it has venom that can cause local pain and swelling.
- Death Adder (Acanthophis spp.): Known for its potent venom and distinctive hunting behavior.
- Mulga Snake (Pseudechis australis): Also known as the King Brown Snake, it has potent venom and is found in a range of habitats.
- Copperhead Snake (Austrelaps spp.): Includes several species with varying degrees of venom potency.
- Western Brown Snake (Pseudonaja nuchalis): Found in various habitats across western Australia and has potent venom.
- Small-eyed Snake (Cryptophis nigrescens): Although venomous, its bite is not considered highly dangerous to humans.
Eastern Brown Snake
Remember that while these snakes are venomous, they typically prefer to avoid humans and will generally only bite if they feel threatened or provoked. It’s important to exercise caution and respect when encountering any snake, and if you’re unsure about a snake’s identity or behavior, it’s best to leave it alone and seek guidance from local wildlife experts.
It is important to be aware of the environment you are in when in Australia, as snakes can be found in many different habitats. They can be found in grasslands, woodlands, rainforests, deserts, and even in urban areas.
It is important to be aware of your surroundings and take the necessary precautions to avoid being bitten. If you do come across a snake, it is best to keep your distance and call a professional to handle the situation.
What are the symptoms of a snake bite?
The symptoms of a snake bite can vary depending on the type of snake and the amount of venom injected. Common symptoms include pain, swelling, and bruising around the bite area, nausea, vomiting, and difficulty breathing. In severe cases, a snakebite can lead to paralysis, coma, and even death.
Best practices for snake bite prevention
Prevention is key when it comes to snake bites. Here are some best practices to keep in mind:
Understanding ‘Snake Season’ in Australia
In Australia, the term “snake season” is often used to refer to the warmer months of the year, typically from spring (September to November) through summer (December to February), and into early autumn (March to May). During these months, snakes become more active as they come out to bask in the sun and search for food. It’s important to be cautious and aware of your surroundings when you’re outdoors during these months, especially in areas where snakes are known to be present.
Remember that different regions of Australia might have slightly different snake activity patterns due to local climate variations, so it’s always a good idea to stay informed about the specific snake species in your area and their behaviors.
Avoiding Snake Habitats
Snakes are most active during the warmer months, so it’s essential to be extra cautious during this time. Avoid walking through long grass, dense bushland, and rocky areas, as these are common snake habitats.
Wearing Protective Clothing and Footwear
Wearing long pants, long-sleeved shirts, and closed-toe shoes can help protect you from snake bites. It’s also a good idea to wear gloves when gardening or working in areas where snakes may be present.
Using Caution When Approaching Snakes
If you come across a snake, it’s essential to keep your distance and not approach it. Snakes can be aggressive if they feel threatened, so it’s best to give them plenty of space.
How to treat a snake bite
If you or someone else is bitten by a snake in Australia, follow this plan of action:
- Call for Help: Dial 000 immediately to contact emergency services. Inform them of the snake bite and provide your location. Do not wait to call for help.
- Immobilise the Affected Limb: If the bite is on an arm or leg, immobilise the limb by splinting it to help slow the spread of venom through the bloodstream. However, do not constrict blood flow by using a tourniquet.
- Stay Calm: Try to keep the person who was bitten as calm and still as possible. Movement can potentially spread the venom more quickly.
- Do NOT: Do not try to suck out the venom, cut the wound, or apply ice or a tourniquet. These actions can worsen the situation.
- First Aid – How To Bandage A Snake Bite: If you have a snake bandage available, you can use it to lightly immobilise the affected limb. Start bandaging a few inches above the bite site and wrap down toward the body, then back up and over the bite site, then continue wrapping down the limb. The bandage should not be too tight; you should be able to easily slide a finger under it.
- Keep Still: Encourage the person to stay as still as possible while waiting for medical help.
How to apply a snake bite bandage
Watch the following video for a tutorial on how to correctly apply a snake bandage.
Other first aid techniques to consider
In addition to following the steps listed above, keep the following in consideration:
Staying Calm and Immobilising the Affected Area
It’s essential to stay calm and keep the affected area as still as possible. This can help slow down the spread of venom throughout the body.
If you are with the individual who has been bitten, focus on keeping them as calm as possible. It’s natural for them to feel panicked, so provide reassurance that help is on the way and reinforce the importance of remaining still to minimise the venom’s spread.
Removing Constrictive Clothing and Jewellery
If the bite is on an arm or leg, it’s essential to remove any constrictive clothing or jewellery, as swelling can occur rapidly.
Seeking Medical Attention and Administering Antivenom
As mentioned earlier, seeking medical attention first and foremost is crucial in the case of a snake bite. Healthcare workers will be able to administer antivenom and provide further medical care, which can often be the difference between life and death.
The impact of a lack of action or an improper first aid response
A snake bite’s severe effects arise from delayed or inadequate first aid. These include rapid venom spread leading to systemic issues, tissue damage and necrosis around the bite, blood clotting problems, organ dysfunction including irreversible kidney failure, allergic reactions, shock, secondary infections, potential permanent injuries, and even death.
Swift and appropriate first aid, followed by professional medical care, is crucial to mitigate these risks and ensure the best possible outcome.
Be prepared this snake season & stay safe
This coming International Snake Bite Awareness Day on September 19th 2023, our team at LFA First Response is actively encouraging awareness regarding snake bites, their prevention and necessary first aid response.
In Australia, where the likelihood of encountering a venomous snake is heightened, we must be vigilant in proper education and first aid training surrounding the event of a snake bite incident.
At LFA First Response, we supply a comprehensive range of snake bite first aid supplies, including complete snake bite module kits, snake bite bandages, and portable regulator snake bite kits. Additionally, we provide a snake/reptile handling kit, which proves invaluable in situations requiring manual handling and safe capture of the snake, effectively removing it from proximity to the snake bite victim.
Our snake bite kits have been designed to contain everything you will need (minus antivenom to be administered by a healthcare professional) in the event of a snake bite incident.
Let’s work together to raise snakebite awareness and stay safe in the upcoming warmer months.
