Brown snake near Warwick eateries

Residents eating outside Subway and Eagle Boys in Warwick on Thursday had an unwelcome visitor, with a brown snake slithering around the area.
With sightings on the rise in Warwick, Queensland Health reminds people to be aware they share the environment with a number of potentially dangerous snakes.
Snakes are more active in the summer months and Queensland Health wants to ensure everyone knows what to do if they are bitten.
Warwick Hospital’s Dr Amos Moody said the Department of Environment and Resource Management website shows Queensland is home to about 120 species of snakes and about 65 per cent of those are venomous.
“If you’re bitten by a snake in your garden or out bushwalking, it’s important to know what to do,” he said.
“For those bitten, the prognosis is good if they can get to hospital in time, but sometimes snake bite victims do not even know they have been bitten.
“Some people describe the bite as a feeling like a needle or a scratch.
“Others describe it as a bump with not a lot of pain.
“Sometimes people might simply start to feel unwell and it is wise that they check themselves for scratches and puncture marks. Snake bites can also leave bruising, bleeding or swelling around the wound.
“After a snake bite or suspected snake bite, Queensland Health’s Queensland Poisons Information Centre advises;
■ Check airway, breathing and circulation;
■ Call Triple Zero (000) for an ambulance for transport to the emergency department of the nearest hospital;
■ Apply a pressure immobilisation bandage as soon as possible. Apply a firm bandage over the bite site, and then cover the entire limb. The bandage should be as tight as you would apply to a sprained ankle;
■ Immobilise the limb using a splint. Any rigid object may be used as a splint. For example, spade, piece of wood or tree branch or rolled up newspapers; and
■ Keep the patient absolutely still and encourage them to remain calm.
“Queensland Health does not advise using tourniquet or cutting or sucking the venom from the wound.
“Don’t wash residual venom as it can be used as a sample to identify the snake involved.”
Dr Moody said prevention was always better than the cure.
“We know snakes are around, so avoid walking through long grass, but if you do, make sure to wear long pants and boots.
Also wear sturdy gloves if you are working in or around the garden, as gardens are great places for snakes to sleep.”
Many bites occur when people try to kill snakes they find around the house. Medical and wildlife experts agree the best advice is to leave snakes alone.
If a snake needs to be removed, don’t take the risk. Call an expert.
For more information, visit the Queensland Poisons Information Centre at www.health.qld.gov.au/PoisonsInformationCentre/default.asp