AS the days grow warmer, snakes are beginning to emerge from their winter hibernation.
Australia is home to 20 of the world's most deadly 25 species of snakes, so it's important to know how to deter them from your yard and what to do in case of a bite.
Keeping your backyard clear of rubbish, keeping the grass short and controlling vermin are the best ways to keep snakes from making their home in your yard.
If you do see a snake, the best thing to do is to stay away and keep pets and children away, as most snakes will usually slip away than attack.
First aid
There are many treatment myths, but St John Ambulance Queensland gives the following advice:
- Follow DRSABCD (Danger, Response, Send for help, Airway, Breathing, CPR, and Defibrillation).
- Ensure the bitten person is relaxed as much as possible as this reduces the time it takes for the venom to travel through the body.
- Apply a crepe bandage over the bite site, then apply a pressure immobilisation bandage starting at the toes or fingers and bandage up the limb as far as possible. Immobilise the limb and monitor the patient.
- Mark the site of the bite on the bandage and write down as much information as you can, such as the time of the bite, a description of the snake and when the bandage was applied.
Regardless of what type of snake bite, you should always call Triple-0 for an ambulance.
What about pets?
Call your vet immediately if your pet is bitten by a snake. If you can’t get help immediately, apply a pressure bandage over and around the bite site and keep your pet as calm as possible.
Signs of snake bites in cats and dogs include:
- Sudden weakness followed by collapse
- Bleeding puncture wound
- Swelling in the bitten area
- Pain and discomfort
- Neurological signs such as twitching, drooling and shaking
- Vomiting
- Loss of bladder and bowel control
- Dilated pupils
- Paralysis
