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Snakes are commonplace in all Australian States and Territories. They can be found anywhere; from urban areas to the deserts of central Australia. Bushwalkers can expect to see a snake from time to time.
Several thousand people are bitten by a snake each year, although fatalities are rare.
For the bushwalker, a snake bite is a serious medical emergency:
- Stop immediately. The victim must rest and restrict all movement.
- Apply first aid treatment swiftly.
- Seek medical assistance straight away.
While not all snakes have a venomous bite, attempting to locate and identify a snake after someone has been bitten is asking for trouble. Medical treatment does not depend on knowing the species of snake.
Assume that any snake bite is from a venomous snake.
Preparation and prevention:
- Complete a first aid course that includes specific practice in snake bite treatment.
- Carry several compression (or pressure immobilisation or elasticised roller) bandages in the group, including when on any side trips. These bandages are essential for first aid treatment.
- Carry an effective emergency communications device.
- Wear boots and gaiters. They provide excellent protection.
- Long pants offer better protection than shorts.
- Children should be taught to be alert for and to avoid snakes.
On the trip
Be especially careful:
- When a snake has already been sighted.
- On warm, sunny days in spring, summer and autumn. Snakes are unlikely to be sighted in cold weather or during the winter months.
- Near creeks, rivers and swamps. They are a good food source for snakes.
- Around campsites, which are often near water, and people are relaxed and not wearing protective clothing or footwear.
- When collecting firewood or water
If a snake is sighted
Give the snake space and time to get away. Snakes will normally move quickly away from people, but can become aggressive if a threat is perceived or it is trapped. For this reason, do not attempt to take a close-up photograph or crowd a snake for a better look, or to identify it.
Do not:
- Walk around campsites or anywhere else in bare feet where there is no clear view of the ground.
- Attempt to kill a snake. That really will cause the snake to become aggressive, and, in any case, snakes are a protected native animal.
Treatment
Treatment should be learnt by doing a first aid course. Three key elements are:
- Stop. The victim must immediately rest and restrict all movement.
- Apply first aid treatment swiftly.
- Seek medical assistance straight away.
See also
References and external links
This information is no substitute for doing a first aid course that includes snake bite treatment.
- Management of snake bite – Safer Care Victoria
- Snake bite fact sheet – St Johns Ambulance Australia
- Snake Bite First Aid – St Johns Ambulance Victoria
- Outback Survival: Snakes and Snakebites – Royal Flying Doctor Service