1: Don't Panic!
Calm the victim down. Un-necessary panic will only raise the pulse rate and blood pressure and moves the venom into the system faster. Tell the victim that 70% of snakebites are from non-poisonous species. Of the remaining 30%, only half will actually involve injecting venom. The chances are they are OK!
2: Identify the snake
Try to identify the snake: how does it look: the colour of it's body, the shape of the head and it's behaviour. Any information would be usefull for exact identification and for correct anti-venom choise and cure.
3: Immobilise the bitten limb
If the bite is on a hand or arm place it in a sling bandage or use a piece of cloth to support the arm. In the case of a leg bite, use a splint to support both legs and bandage them together. Do not tie the bandages tightly, we are only trying to immobilise not apply any pressure.
4: Call our 24/7 Hotline immediately at (855)034 934 331
Our professionals will provide you with further instructions and organize a quality medical care. Follow our instructions. Get the patient to our center as fast as possible. Don’t waste time washing the wound, seeking traditional remedies or applying any drugs or chemicals to the victim. Science has shown that traditional remedies do not work and simply waste valuable time. Snakestones do not absorb venom and many herbal remedies make the situation worse. Keep the patient as immobile as possible.
5: Tell the Doctor any of the following signs
The Doctor will want to know if any of the following signs or symptoms are noticeable on the journey to the hospital:
- Difficulty breathing. If the patient stops breathing, give artificial respiration. In Cobra and Krait bites this will save the victims life.
- Drooping eyelids
- Bleeding from the gums or any unusual bruising appearing.
- Increases in any swelling. Carry a pen and mark the limit of the swelling every 10 minutes or so
- Drowsiness
- Difficulty speaking
- Bleeding from the wound that does not seem to stop.
Don't make common mistakes!
DO NOT allow the person to become over-exerted. If necessary, carry the person to safety.
DO NOT apply a tourniquet.
DO NOT apply cold compresses to a snake bite.
DO NOT cut into a snake bite with a knife or razor.
DO NOT try to suck out the venom by mouth.
DO NOT Do not administer Stimulant or pain medications to the victim, unless specifically directed to do so by a physician.
DO NOT give the patient anything to eat or drink. This is especially important with consumable alcohol, a known vasodilator which will speed up the absorption of venom.
DO NOT raise the site of the bite above the level of the person's heart.
Snake Bite Prevention
Always leave snakes alone. Do not attempt to hold, touch, feel or interfere with a snake unless there is a qualified "Herpetologist" already on hand and holding the reptile or, the snake is under his/her control.
Dead snakes can still inflict a fatal bite & there have been many documented incidents. Don't bury a dead snake in the garden bed, someone may scratch themselves on it, digging around at a later date. Don't throw the body of a dead snake into the paddock, someone may tread on or scratch themselves on the skeleton which may contain crystalized venom, still being lethal! Sometimes the nerves of a dead snake, severed in peices can still be resposible for a potentially fatal bite.
95% of people that are admitted to hospital due to snakebite, are those whom have tried to kill and/or interfere with the reptile.
Always wear good protective footwear/boots etc; and loose fitting long pants/slacks/jeans when bushwalking. Use a long stick and make noise in front of where you are walking in long grass. Stamp your feet and make plenty of noise around where you are.
Never put your hands where you can't see, in hollow logs, long grass, under rocks, in rock crevices when climbing rock faces etc;
Use good leather gloves when gardening, spider bites are more common than snake-bite.
Use a torch if walking around on a warm evening when dark, even around the house!
When temperatures are 32C & above, snakes/reptiles will seek areas to cool down, including inside your house. A snake may also detect moisture from air conditioning, escaping under the back/front door, as it passes by, especially in times of dry weather or drought. Don't invite a snake into your house by leaving the door open, not even for your pets.
Never leave front/back doors open in warm weather, make sure insect screens have no holes in them and monitor pet doors as snakes also use these to gain entry to a cooler area or water on a hot day. Fit a good quality weather strip to your door, one that has a grommet attached to the door stop, forcing the weather strip to the floor upon closing the door.
Stack iron, firewood, timber etc; at least 30cm (12inches) off the ground. If possible don't leave items laying around the carport, garage or shed, especially near front/back doors. Try and use shelving.
Always turn compost heaps regually to help prevent rodents from nesting in there. Prevent mice & rats from breeding on and around your property. Snakes will venture into the roof of ceiling space after them.
Keep lawns, grass and weeds cut down to a minimum. Prune overhanging bushes, shrubs and trees up off the ground, removing secure areas where snakes like to hide. When landscaping your garden, remember that moss rocks, poorly constructed retaining walls and ground covers provide excellent & secure places for snakes to hide & live in particular - cavities after soil movement?
Don't leave shoes/ boots etc; laying on the ground at the back/front door, if you must, get a shoe rack. A metre long brown snake can easily hide unseen - inside a shoe left laying on the ground at the door!
Don't leave your pet's water bowl by the back door, move it further down the backyard into a shaded area! Having your pet's water bowl near the door encourages the snake closer to your house making it easier to dart inside when you venture out! A dripping tap or air conditioner outlet can also provide a viable water source for a thirsty snake!
Never intentionally run over a snake on the road as it may hitch a ride home with you!
Snake-bite Prevention is far better than a cure. There have been times when antivenenes haven't worked. There may also be secondary infections or other complications.
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