By Melissa Coleman
Snake catcher Anthony Adams is aware that humans and snakes will occasionally run into one another, causing the reptile to become defensive.
So, knowing what to do when you see a snake and if you are bitten by a poisonous reptile this season could be the difference between life and death.
According to Darling Downs Health, the Southern Downs region has had 20 confirmed snake bite presentations this year.
The Warwick Hospital had five presentations in January and March, three in September, two in February and one in August.
As recently as October, Warwick Hospital assisted two people who presented with snake bites and one at Stanthorpe Hospital.
Mr Adams said snakes are more afraid of us than we are of them.
“The best thing for you to do after calling me is to keep your distance and an eye on the snake,” Mr Adams said.
“I had a call from Stanthorpe Hospital over the weekend after they saw an Eastern Brown hanging around.
“They kept an eye on him, but because I had to travel from Warwick, he eventually moved on,” he said.
However, if you’re gardening or working in the yard, Mr Adams says it’s a good idea to make noise to alert any resting reptiles that you are nearby.
“It’s important to stay still and calm if you happen to come across a snake; he’ll move on his own; it’s when you approach them that you may get bitten.”
There are many situations where a snake may get defensive and using a shovel to hurt it is one of those times.
“If you’re within striking distance to hit a snake with a shovel, then he’s within striking distance to bite you,” Mr Adams said.
Youre more likely to get biten in that scenario”
“Besides that, it is illegal to kill a snake in all Australian states and territories,” he said.
After a snake bite or suspected snake bite, people should remain calm and avoid physical movement as much as possible.
This is to prevent or stop the flow of venom through the body and call 000 for an ambulance.
However, if you suspect a person has had an adverse encounter with a snake, Darling Downs Heath suggests the following:
• Check airway, breathing and circulation. If the patient has collapsed, start CPR immediately.
• Call 000 for an ambulance to the emergency department of the nearest hospital. Treat any snake bite as an emergency, regardless of whether you think the snake was venomous or not.
• Don’t attempt to drive yourself to a hospital or walk. Sit or lie down and stay as still as possible.
• Apply a pressure immobilisation bandage as soon as possible. Apply a firm bandage over the bite site, and then cover the entire limb.
• Immobilise the limb using a splint. Any rigid object may be used as a splint – e.g. spade, piece of wood or tree branch or rolled-up newspapers.
• Keep still and try to remain calm.
You should not wash venom off the skin, cut the bitten area, try to suck the venom out or use a tourniquet.
Snake catcher Steve Emes who resided in Stanthorpe, has now left the region.
If you see a snake, contact Anthony Adams on 0478 047 457.
