AS temperatures soar in the coming weeks, our cold-blooded reptile friends are becoming more active and a lot more visible.
Snakes are typically found in cool, dark, protected areas such as under buildings and near sheds, around rubble and stored materials, in electrical switch boxes and long grass. It’s also not uncommon for snakes to enter unattended open vehicles.
“As we go into spring, it’s the season to brush up on your snakebite first aid knowledge and ensure all Australians are doing what they can to coexist with our slithery friends,” Australian Reptile Park head of reptiles, Daniel Rumsey said.
About 3,000 people are bitten by snakes every year, with about 300 of them receiving antivenom and one or two bites, on average, proving fatal.
If not treated immediately, a person can die within 30 minutes depending on the amount of venom injected and the species of snake.
Bite victims must be kept calm and still and have their whole injured limb pressure bandaged.
Please remember:
If you see a snake, keep calm and move yourself and anyone with you (including pets) away from the area
Don’t attempt to capture or harm snakes. Instead call DELWP on 136 186 for further advice, or call a licensed snake catcher
Undertake first aid training and ensure your first aid kit contains several compression bandages, and if someone is bitten, call 000 immediately. Keep a snake specific safety kit on hand if possible.
