Highlights
After a natural disaster, snakes may have been forced from their natural habitats and move into areas where they would not normally be seen or expected. When you return to your home, be cautious of snakes that may have sought shelter in your home. If you see a snake in your home, immediately call the animal control agency in your county. Show
How to Prevent Snake Bites
Signs of Snake BitesIf you have to walk in high water, you may feel a bite, but not know that you were bitten by a snake. You may think it is another kind of bite or scratch. Pay attention to the following snake bite signs. Depending on the type of snake, the signs and symptoms may include:
What TO DO if You or Someone Else is Bitten by a Snake
What NOT TO DO if You or Someone Else is Bitten by a Snake
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Are snake bites serious?Knowing whether a snake bite is dangerous or not can be difficult. This article explains what to do — including providing the proper first aid treatment — if you are bitten by a snake. It’s also important to be aware that bites from snakes can cause a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) in some people. Learn more about first aid treatment for severe allergic reactions in the ‘anaphylaxis’ section below. How do I provide first aid for snake bites?You should always provide emergency care if you or someone else is bitten by a snake — including cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), if required. Keep calm, and follow these steps:
If you can’t use a pressure immobilisation bandage because the bite is on the trunk or stomach, apply constant, firm pressure. Do not apply a tourniquet, cut the wound or attempt to suck the venom (poison) out. St John Ambulance Australia has a quick guide to the first aid management of snake bites. The Australian Red Cross also has a handy infographic on how to treat them. Pressure immobilisation bandageA pressure immobilisation bandage is recommended for anyone bitten by a venomous snake. You should firmly bandage the area of the body involved — such as an arm or leg — and keep the person calm and still until medical help arrives. Follow these steps to apply a pressure immobilisation bandage:
St John Ambulance Australia's first aid fact sheet includes information on pressure immobilisation bandages. Anaphylactic shockSome people occasionally have a severe allergic reaction to being bitten by a snake. Their whole body can react to the bite within minutes, which can lead to anaphylactic shock (anaphylaxis). Anaphylactic shock is very serious and can be fatal. Symptoms of anaphylactic shock include:
If someone is experiencing anaphylaxis, call triple zero (000) for an ambulance. If the person has a ‘personal action plan’ to manage a known severe allergy, they may need help to follow their plan. This could include administering adrenaline via an autoinjector (such as an Epipen) if one is available. The Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy recommends that for a severe allergic reaction, adrenaline is the only treatment. For further information, visit the Choosing Wisely Australia website. For more information on anaphylaxis, including setting up a personal action plan, go to www.allergy.org.au. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)In some cases, the person bitten by the snake may need cardiopulmonary resuscitation. See healthdirect’s page on how to perform CPR for more information. St John Ambulance Australia has a printable poster on first aid resuscitation procedures. What different types of snake bite are there?Dry bitesA dry bite is when the snake strikes but no venom is released. Dry bites are painful and may cause swelling and redness around the area of the snake bite. Once medically assessed, there is usually no need for further treatment, such as with antivenoms. Many snake bites in Australia do not result in venom entering your body (known as envenomation) and so they can be managed without antivenom. Because you can’t always tell if a bite is a dry bite, always assume you have been injected with venom and manage the bite as a medical emergency — call triple zero (000) for an ambulance. Venomous bitesVenomous bites are when the snake bites and releases venom into a wound. Snake venom contains poisons that are designed to stun, numb or kill other animals. Symptoms of a venomous bite include:
In Australia, there are about 2 deaths each year from venomous snake bites. CHECK YOUR SYMPTOMS — Use our bites and stings Symptom Checker and find out if you need to seek medical help. How can I make sure the snake is identified?Venomous snakes can be identified based on any venom deposited on clothing or the skin. Do not wash the area of the bite, try to suck venom out of it, or discard clothing. Do not try to catch or kill the snake to identify it since medical services do not rely on visual identification of the species of snake. Is antivenom available for all types of snake bite?Antivenom is available for all bites by venomous Australian snakes. Around 100 Australian snakes are venomous, but only 12 are likely to inflict a wound that could kill you. Australia has about 140 species of land snake, and around 32 species of sea snake. Most snake bites happen when people try to kill or capture them. Don’t panic if you come across a snake. Back away to a safe distance and let it move away. Snakes often want to escape when disturbed. |