AMBULANCE Victoria (AV) is urging the community to be safe throughout the rest of snake season after attending 129 suspected snakebites this summer.<\/p>\n
The count, which comprises the period between December 1, 2024 to February 18 this year, includes paramedics responding to 16 incidents in Barwon South West.<\/p>\n
AV director of emergency management Dale Armstrong said of the 129 cases, 125 people were transported to hospital.<\/p>\n
“With hot weather continuing, the snakes are out, which means we need to be vigilant.<\/p>\n
“Bites can often be avoided simply by being observant in areas that are likely to attract snakes, such as near rivers, long grass or sheds.<\/p>\n
“Victorians can also take preventative measures around their home by keeping their property clear of rocks, logs and building materials, and keeping grass short.<\/p>\n
“Most snakes in Victoria are venomous and a bite can be life-threatening.<\/p>\n
“If someone is suspected to have suffered a snake bite, even if you’re not sure, you should call Triple Zero (000) immediately.”<\/p>\n
Snake bites may cause pain and swelling around the puncture wound, or there may be very few signs left on the skin.<\/p>\n
Symptoms that snake venom has entered your body may include dizziness, blurred vision, breathing difficulties, nausea, muscle weakness or paralysis.<\/p>\n
Mr Armstrong said there were some basic first aid steps people could take while waiting for an ambulance if they’re with someone who suffers a bite.<\/p>\n
“If a snake bite victim is unresponsive and not breathing normally, you should begin cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).<\/p>\n
“If the patient is conscious, it is important to keep them still and reassured while waiting for help \u2013 only move them if it is too unsafe to stay put.<\/p>\n
“Snake bites commonly occur on hands, feet or limbs, so applying a pressure immobilisation bandage to the affected limb can also make a big difference to the treatment and outcome of a snake bite incident.”<\/p>\n
The Australian Resuscitation Council recommends applying a pressure immobilisation bandage (snakebite bandage) starting at the fingers or toes and working up the arm or leg as far as possible, ensuring that the bite site is covered.<\/p>\n
If a bandage has already been applied to the bite, or if the bite is covered with clothing, the pressure immobilisation bandage should be applied over this.<\/p>\n
If you do not have a pressure immobilisation bandage, use a firmly applied regular bandage or an item of clothing at least 10-15cm wide.<\/p>\n
Keep the patient as still as possible and, if able, use a splint of some kind to prevent movement of the affected limb. Do not remove the pressure immobilisation bandage until the patient gets to hospital.<\/p>\n
People should not wash the site of the bite, as venom left on the skin can be used to help identify the type of snake and the anti-venom required.<\/p>\n