Venomous snakes still a concern in the region

BY ALF WILSON

Queensland Health have warned residents in the Torres Strait, NPA and around North Queensland to make sure they maintain their awareness of venomous snakes in the region.

The initial warning came after a Torres Strait Islander man was bitten by a snake on the last day of the Goldfield Ashes Cricket Carnival at Charters Towers. The man was released from hospital on the same night about 11pm.

A Queensland Health spokesperson said typically the highest number of presentations relating to snake bites or contact with a venomous snake were between October and April, when the reptiles were the most active.

“Hospital presentations typically peak towards the end of the summer months,” the spokesperson said.

“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 a snake catcher to relocate the snake.”

They also said it was important to know what to do if you or a family member or friend was bitten, especially in a remote areas where medical assistance was not readily available.

Emergency Department Director Dr Deanne Crosbie said anyone bitten by any snake should assume it was potentially life threatening.

“If you are bitten by a snake, the safest

After a snake bite or suspected snake bite, people should:

• Check airway, breathing and circulation. If the patient has collapsed, start CPR immediately.

• Call 000 for an ambulance for transport to the emergency department of the nearest hospital. You should 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 hospital. Sit or lie down, stay as still as possible. Bring transport to the patient. Do not walk or mobilise.

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thing to do is assume you have been bitten by a potentially life-threatening species and perform first aid immediately,” she said.

“This involves both applying a tight pressure bandage around the whole of the affected limb and immobilising the limb.

“Don’t walk or move the limb.

“Get to the emergency department as soon as you can so we can assess and monitor you.

“Please don’t try to catch the snake or bring it to the ED after being bitten; it is unnecessary and knowing the species isn’t needed for the ED to treat you.

“Most snake bites can be avoided through simple precautions such as wearing heavy footwear while walking through bush or calling a qualified snake catcher to remove any snakes spotted.”

• 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 – e.g. spade, piece of wood or tree branch, rolled up newspapers etc.

• Keep the patient absolutely still and encourage them to remain calm.

NEVER wash venom off the skin, cut the bitten area, try to suck the venom out or use a tourniquet.

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TN0533 20/4/23.

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