As the weather heats up from September to April, snake activity surges across Australia. Snakes depend on warm air and sunlight for body heat, so sightings often increase in parks, backyards and bushland during the cooler parts of the day when they are most active.
Australia has more than 140 species of land snakes and around 32 species of sea snakes. About 100 species are venomous, but only a small number are considered life threatening. In Western Australia, species of most concern include the Western Brown snake, Tiger snake, Mulga (King Brown) snake, Death Adder and Dugite.
Throughout Australia, there are approximately 1 to 4 deaths a year from snake bites. Most bites occur when someone tries to capture or kill a snake. The easiest way to avoid a snake bite is to stay a safe distance away and allow the snake to move away. However, if a bite does occur, recognising the signs and knowing how to respond can make a lifesaving difference.
Symptoms
- A bite wound
- Pain around the bite
- Burning, tingling or abnormal feeling of the skin
- Abnormal heartbeat and pain
- Breathing difficulties
- Nausea or vomiting
Prevention
Snakes often shelter in rubbish piles or leaf litter during winter and emerge when it warms up. If spending time outdoors, especially in bushland, always wear long pants and sturdy shoes to protect yourself, and make noise as you walk so snakes have time to move away. NEVER try to touch, move or kill a snake, as this is when most bites happen.
When walking in bushland, make sure to carry a PIT bandage and keep your mobile phone with you in case an emergency occurs. These simple steps make it easier to manage a bite and call for help quickly.
Treating a snake bite
- Follow your primary survey (DRSABCD)
- Call 000 immediately
- Do not wash the bite area
- Talk to and reassure the patient
- Restrict movement as much as possible
- Apply a pressure immobilisation bandage and mark the bite site with a pen
Pressure immobilisation technique (PIT)
A Pressure Immobilisation Technique, or PIT, is a first aid method used to slow the spread of venom after a bite. It works by applying firm, even pressure to the limb and keeping it as still as possible.
To use this technique:
- Apply immediate pressure over the bite site
- Tightly wrap a broad pressure bandage (10-15cm wide) over the bite. Many bandages will have boxes to indicate the correct amount of tension to apply
- Starting from the extremity (fingers or toes), bandage towards the torso or as much of the limb as possible
- Apply a splint to prevent movement
Additional tip: Do not clean the bite site as any remaining venom on clothing or skin can be used to identify the snake for correct antivenom treatment.
What NOT to do
- DON'T try to catch the or kill the snake
- DON'T cut a bite site or try to suck the venom out
- DON'T move around or walk unnecessarily if bitten
- DON'T apply a tourniquet as venom travels through the lymphatic system, not through blood
This information is NOT a substitute for first aid training. Royal Life Saving Society WA recommends that everyone is trained in first aid and CPR.
