The Queensland Ambulance Service (QAS) is asking South Western Region residents to be extra cautious and vigilant following a number of snake bites reported in the area over the past two weeks. QAS South Western Region Assistant Commissioner Dee Taylor-Dutton said the onset of warmer weather had seen snakes becoming more active, which was why people needed to take extra care, particularly when gardening, bush walking or even using public parks.
“Paramedics have been called to respond to several suspected snake bites around the region since the start of November, tragically one of which was fatal,” she said.
Ms Taylor-Dutton said one of the crucial points to remember if a person suspected they had been bitten by a snake was to remain calm.
“Immediately dial Triple Zero (000), stay as still as possible and let the help come to you,” she said.
“As hard as it is, you must stay calm, as panicking will cause your heart rate to increase and spread the poison around your body more quickly.”
Ms Taylor- Dutton said symptoms of snake bites could range from nausea, headache or blurred vision, through to difficulties in breathing and loss of consciousness.
Some basic first aid steps in the case of snake bite are:
■ Try to remain calm and call Triple Zero (000) immediately;
■ Don’t wash the wound as hospitals can test the bandage for poison and identify the type of snake, which will aid in treatment;
■ If only one bandage is available, start over the bite site and then work up the limb. If more bandages are available, bandage over the bite site, and then with a second bandage start at the extremities (fingers/ toes) and work up the limb. Bandage firmly as you would a sprained ankle;
■ Splint the limb to keep it still and don’t let the patient move around;
■ Do not ‘cut and suck’.
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