Did you know? Approximately 7000 people are bitten by a snake every year! And now that we are amongst snake season, it's important that you're prepared if the worst should happen.
What are the signs and symptoms of a snake bite?
- Puncture marks or scratches
- Headache
- Vomiting, nausea or diarrhoea
- Double or blurred vision
- Breathing difficulties
- Drowsiness, giddiness, faintness, drooping eyelids, problems speaking or swallowing
- Pain or tightness in chest or abdomen
What should I do if I suspect it's a snake bite?
- Calm the casualty and lie the casualty down
- Check breathing and circulation. If casualty is unconscious follow DRSABCD
- Apply pressure immobilisation bandage (or heavy crepe bandage) firmly around the bite site
- Apply a firm crepe or roller bandage over the whole limb starting at the toes or finger tips and working up. Bandage needs to be firm but not too tight
- Immobilise the limb using a splint. If bitten on the leg, use the other leg as the splint. Use bandage to tie legs together or to hold splint in place. Keep the bitten limb level with the rest of the body to slow down absorption of venom in the body
- Call 000
- Monitor casualty. Check fingers or toes for circulation. If breathing fails or they lose consciousness, follow DRSABCD.
We have a super helpful Snake and Spider bite guide here that you can download for on the go.
How can I be prepared for potential Snake bites?
We recommend making sure you have a first aid kit on hand that is equipped for responding to snake bites. Here are a few FastAid kits we'd recommend:
Questions about snake bite treatments? We're here to help!