Snake bites factsheet
Introduction
Australia is home to some of the world's most venomous snakes. Venom is a poison that enters the bloodstream through bites or stings. Venomous snakes bite with their long, sharp fangs.
Not all snakes are venomous, but it can be hard to tell them apart in the wild. All snake bites, whether on land or in the sea, can be life-threatening and need emergency medical care.
聽Signs and symptoms
Do not wait for symptoms to appear. Call an ambulance on triple zero (000) for help.
Snake bite symptoms can vary depending on the type of snake. General symptoms may include:
- a bite mark that can range from visible holes in the skin to a tiny scratch
- swelling of the skin that was bitten
- bleeding from the bite mark
- severe pain.
As snake venom spreads through the bloodstream, other symptoms can develop, such as:
- difficulty breathing
- irregular heartbeat
- cardiac arrest 鈥� when the heart stops beating
- nausea and vomiting
- abdominal or belly pain
- headaches
- dizziness and confusion
- blurry vision
- weak muscles
- paralysis 鈥� not being able to move.
Anaphylaxis and snake bites
Some children may have severe allergic reactions to snake bites, known as anaphylaxis.
Signs of anaphylaxis include:
- wheezing, difficult, or noisy breathing
- swelling of the tongue
- swelling or tightness in the throat
- a persistent cough
- difficulty talking or a hoarse voice
- dizziness
- becoming pale and floppy in young children
- collapsing.
Children at risk of anaphylaxis may also vomit.
If your child has signs of anaphylaxis, you should:
- follow your child鈥檚 ASCIA action plan for anaphylaxis if you have one
- use an EpiPen庐 or Anapen庐, if there is one available
- call Triple Zero (000) for an ambulance.
Diagnosis
Snake bites are life-threatening. If you suspect your child has been bitten, they must be checked and treated in a hospital.
Treatment
Snake bites are a medical emergency.
If a snake bites your child:
- call Triple Zero (000) for an ambulance, even if you are out of phone reception
- if you cannot call, travel to the nearest emergency department
- give cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) if they collapse or stop breathing
Do not:
- panic or run
- try to catch or handle the snake
- wash, cut, or suck the bite area
- use a tourniquet or strap to stop blood flow.
First aid for snake bites
To give first aid for a snakebite:
- remove your child from danger
- call triple zero (000) for an ambulance and follow any instructions given over the phone
- wrap the bite and limb in a pressure bandage
- keep your child as still as possible until the ambulance arrives.
- Watch to make sure your child does not lose consciousness or stop breathing.
Pressure bandaging prevents the venom from travelling further into the body. The bandages should be wrapped firmly but not so tight that your child feels numb or their skin changes colour.
To apply a pressure bandage:
- wrap a firm, wide elastic bandage over the bite
- wrap a firm, wide elastic bandage over the entire limb 鈥� fingers to shoulder, toes to hip
- use a splint or another hard object to keep the limb straight.
If you do not have an elastic bandage, you can use:
- clothing
- towels
- socks or stockings.
Treatment in hospital
In the hospital, your child will have regular checks and blood tests to:
- confirm if they were bitten by a venomous snake
- monitor symptoms
- make sure they are conscious and breathing well.
Blood tests also help identify which anti-venom is needed. Anti-venom is a medication that can be injected into the bloodstream to stop the venom from working.
The type of anti-venom used depends on:
- where your child was bitten
- the type of snake.
If the specific snake isn鈥檛 known, the anti-venom will be chosen based on common snakes in the area.
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Preventing snake bites
Teaching your child to avoid snakes is one of the best ways to prevent bites. Snakes bite to defend themselves, so bites often happen when a snake is accidentally picked up, threatened, or stepped on.
If your child encounters a snake, they should:
- stay calm
- back away to a safe distance
- let the snake move away on its own
Snakes often hide in:
- areas of water - creeks, rivers, ponds, lakes
- long grass
- woodlands, forests, and bushlands
- backyards
- sheds and houses
- piles of dead leaves or leaf litter
- areas with frogs, reptiles, mice, or rats
Snakes can come out during the day and at night.
To help keep your child safe:
- use a torch when walking outside or in sheds at night
- make noise or stomp feet when walking in the bush or grassy areas to alert snakes
- be mindful of where you walk, put your hands, or sit when outdoors
- wear proper, closed-in boots or shoes with thick socks to protect against bites.
