AFTER a woman was bitten by a brown snake at East Jindabyne last Friday, NSW Ambulance paramedics are asking people to be mindful that the arrival of spring and the warmer weather has coincided with increased snake and spider activity and the potential for bites.
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NSW Ambulance Inspector John Brotherhood said snakes in particular are on the move, looking for food and a mate after their winter hibernation.
Inspector Brotherhood said in the 12 months to August 31 this year, paramedics attended 813 incidents involving snakes and spiders.
Triple 000 recorded 65 patients with suspected funnel web bites, 248 with suspected snake bites and the balance with spider bites.
- 60-year-old male bitten on the foot by a red bellied black snake at Sanctuary Point on Tuesday;
- a female patient bitten by a snake at Montecollum on Sunday;
- 46-year-old man bitten on the arm by a suspected funnel web at Mount Victoria on Saturday;
- 30-year-old female bitten on the foot by a suspected brown snake which was under her car at Ruse, also on Saturday; and
- 20-year-old female bitten on the leg by a brown snake at East Jindabyne last Friday.
Inspector Brotherhood, who is based in Sydney’s South West, said the recent hot weather is bringing out increasing numbers of snakes.
“We’re basically urging caution. Around the home, remove piled up debris from the yard and keep lawns mowed to reduce the potential for unexpected visitors,” Inspector Brotherhood said.
“Check items of clothing that have been left outside before wearing them. Paramedics attend many cases where people have put on boots and gloves and been bitten by spiders and even snakes which were hidden inside. Also, if you lift something such as a rock or log, lift so it’s facing away from you.”
Inspector Brotherhood advised that in the event of a snake or spider bite, people should call Triple Zero (000) and ask for an ambulance.
He added first aid for snake and spider bites varied depending on the species and included:
For snakes and funnel web spiders:
- if the bite is on a limb, apply a pressure immobilisation bandage. The bandage should not cut off the circulation;
- if the bite is not on a limb, apply direct, firm pressure to the bite site with your hands. Keep the patient still and discourage them from walking around; and
- never cut or excise the wound. Do not attempt to suck out the venom out and don’t apply a tourniquet.
To have a snake safely removed from a property call your local wildlife care organisation, a licensed pest control operator or your local NPWS Office. Alternatively, if you need assistance or advice on snakes and other reptiles, contact WIRES on 1300 094 737.
