St John Ambulance Community Paramedic Pete Hewat is warning residents to keep their wits about them with snakes on the move and that the warmer weather has sparked a rise in snake bites.
Wheatbelt ambulance officers have attended a number snake bite cases in recent days with snakes becoming more active as the weather warms up. Mr. Hewat warned residents to exercise caution when working outdoors or in a snake's habitat.
"If you're cleaning up your property, be careful shifting timber, iron sheeting or similar materials as a snake may be lingering nearby," he said. "Also avoid walking through long grass, but if you have to, wear enclosed shoes and long pants and carry a compression bandage with you.
"Disposing of food properly, including pet food, and keeping bird cages clean will reduce mice and make’s your property less attractive to snakes."
Mr. Hewat urged residents to have a first aid kit handy to treat a bite and ensure someone has a clear understanding of what to do in an emergency.
"If a snake bite does occur, call 000 immediately, and keep the patient as calm as possible to reduce the spread of venom around the body," he said. "Don't wash the wound, as the hospital may test the area to identify the snake”.
"Bandage over the snake bite firmly, then work up the limb starting at the extremities (fingers or toes) and splint the limb to keep it straight."
St John Ambulance offers a number of comprehensive first aid courses that ensure people are prepared for a range of emergencies, including snake bite.
Other handy information:
- Snake bite signs are not always visible but may present as puncture marks, bleeding or scratches.
- Symptoms developing within an hour may include headache, impaired vision, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, breathing difficulties, drowsiness, faintness, problems speaking or swallowing
DO NOT:
- Wash venom off the skin.
- Cut the bitten area.
- Try to suck venom out of wound.
- Use a tourniquet.
- Try to catch the snake.
For further information visit - www.stjohnambulance.com.au or call St John Ambulance direct on 9334-1222.
