SEO Key Takeaways – Snake Bites in Australia
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Snake bite identification: Look for single or double puncture marks; severity depends on the snake species and venom type.
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Types of bites: Australian snakes can deliver dry bites (no venom) or venomous bites, both requiring urgent medical evaluation.
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Venomous bite symptoms: Include intense pain, swelling, bruising, nausea, breathing difficulties, irregular heartbeat, and paralysis.
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Common dangerous snakes: Inland Taipan, Eastern Brown, Tiger Snake, Red-bellied Black, and Death Adder cause most serious bites.
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Venom effects: Vipers damage blood and tissues, while Elapids affect the nervous system, potentially leading to paralysis or death.
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Immediate first aid (DRSABCD): Ensure safety, check responsiveness, call 000, manage airway and breathing, perform CPR, and use a defibrillator if needed.
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Pressure immobilisation bandage: Apply a crepe bandage over the bite, immobilise the limb, mark the site, and keep the patient calm and at rest.
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Adrenaline for anaphylaxis: Use if severe allergic reactions occur, such as breathing difficulty, swelling, or collapse.
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Actions to avoid: Never use tourniquets, cut the wound, suck venom, or apply ice, as these worsen injury outcomes.
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Prevention and antivenom: Wear protective clothing, stay on marked trails, avoid provoking snakes, keep surroundings clear, and remember antivenom is available for all Australian snake bites.
Snake bites can vary in appearance depending on the type of snake and the nature of the bite. Generally, a snake bite will feature puncture marks from the snake’s fangs. These marks can be single or double, depending on the angle and depth of the bite. Understanding the types of snake bites, their symptoms, and how to administer first aid can be life-saving. In this article, we’ll explore these aspects in detail.
What are the Types of Snake Bites?
According to Health Direct, Australia’s national virtual public health information service, there are two types of snake bites: dry and nasty.
Dry Bites
A dry bite occurs when a snake bites but does not inject venom and poison into its victim. Although painful, these bites are not medically dangerous. Symptoms typically include minor swelling and redness around the bite site. While they are less risky, calling 000 or getting a medical evaluation is still crucial to confirm the absence of venom.
Venomous Bites
According to Health Direct, venomous snake bites cause around two deaths per year in Australia. Venomous bites occur when a snake releases venom and poison into its victim. These bites can cause severe medical issues and require immediate medical attention. Symptoms of venomous bites can include intense pain, swelling, bruising, and sometimes systemic symptoms like nausea, vomiting, difficulty breathing, and changes in heart rate.
The severity of symptoms depends on the type of snake, the amount of venom injected, and the location of the bite.
What are the Symptoms of Venomous Snake Bites?
As venom spreads through the body, a person suffering from the venomous bite may experience:
- Breathing difficulties
- Headache, confusion, or dizziness
- Blurred vision
- Nausea, vomiting, or abdominal pain
- Irregular heartbeat
- Muscle weakness or paralysis
Which Snakes Commonly Bite in Australia?
Australia is home to some of the world’s most venomous snakes. The most common snakes that bite include:
- Inland Taipan
Extremely venomous, its bite can cause rapid onset of severe symptoms and is potentially fatal. - Eastern Brown Snake
Known for its aggressive nature, its bite can be fatal if not treated promptly. - Tiger Snake
Found in various habitats, its venom can cause severe coagulopathy and neurotoxicity. - Red-bellied Black Snake
Although less venomous, its bite can cause significant local tissue damage and bleeding. - Death Adder
With potent neurotoxic venom, its bite requires immediate medical attention.
What Does Snake Venom Do to the Body?
Snake venom is a complex mix of proteins and enzymes, each capable of affecting the human body differently. The specific effects of the venom are determined by the snake species.
Viper Venom
Viper venom is typically hemotoxic, meaning it affects the blood and tissues. It can cause severe pain, swelling, and tissue damage at the bite site. Viper venom can also lead to systemic effects like blood clotting disorders, internal bleeding, and organ damage.
Elapid Venom
Elapid venom, found in snakes like cobras and Australian elapids (including the brown snake and taipan), is primarily neurotoxic. It affects the nervous system, leading to paralysis, respiratory failure, and potentially death if untreated. Symptoms can progress rapidly, making timely medical intervention critical.
What is the First Aid For Snake Bites?
All snake bites, whether dry or venomous bites, are considered life-threatening. Immediate first-aid can be crucial in managing a snake bite. Here are the steps to follow:
Perform DRSABCD
DRSABCD stands for Danger, Response, Send for Help, Airway, Breathing, CPR, and Defibrillation. It’s a primary assessment and action plan for medical emergencies:
- Danger: Ensure the area is safe for both the victim and the rescuer.
- Response: Check if the victim is responsive.
- Send for help: Call emergency services immediately.
- Airway: Ensure the victim’s airway is clear.
- Breathing: Check if the victim is breathing.
- CPR: If the victim is not breathing, start CPR.
- Defibrillation: Use a defibrillator if available and indicated.
Apply a Pressure Immobilisation Bandage
This first-aid treatment involves several steps:
- Place a bandage over the bite area.
- Use a heavy crepe bandage to immobilize the entire limb.
- Splint the limb on both sides of the bite, including the joints.
- Mark the bite site on the bandage.
- Keep the casualty at rest while waiting for an ambulance.
Pressure immobilisation bandages can be purchased individually at pharmacies or as part of a snake bite first aid kit.
Inject Adrenaline
Healthcare says a person bitten by a snake can experience a severe allergic reaction. This allergic reaction can lead to anaphylactic shock (anaphylaxis), and here are some of its signs and symptoms:
- Difficulty or noisy breathing
- Hoarse voice
- Swelling of the tongue
- Dizziness or collapse
- In children, paleness may occur
- Wheezing or persistent cough
The anaphylaxis and ASCIA allergy action plans may include administering an adrenaline injection. First aid training for anaphylaxis provides additional details about this response.
CPR
If the victim stops breathing and his heart stops beating, perform CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) immediately. A free online course is available on the website of CPR First Aid (RTO NO 21903). But if you prefer in-depth, hands-on CPR training, the same provider offers in-person training in multiple centres in Australia.
What are the Things to Avoid After a Snake Bite in Australia?
According to WebMD, after a snake bite, avoid the following actions as they can worsen the situation:
- Please do not use a tourniquet to wrap the bite site, as it can damage the tissue and increase the risk of amputation
- Do not cut the wound. Cutting the bite site will only invite infections.
- Do not try to suck out the venom. This will only introduce bacteria to the wound.
- Do not put ice or ice packs in it because it can cause tissue damage.
How to Avoid Snake Bites?
Awareness of your surroundings and taking precautions, especially outdoors, can reduce the risk of being bitten by snakes.
- Wear protective clothing
- Keep yourself on the trail and stay away from tall bushes
- Be cautious at night
- Do not provoke or threaten snakes
- Keep your homes clean
Is Antivenom Available For All Snake Bites in Australia?
According to Healthdirect, antivenom is available for all snake bites in Australia.
Conclusion
Understanding the nature of snake bites, the types of bites, symptoms, and appropriate first aid measures is crucial, especially in snake-prone regions like Australia. Preparing and knowing what to do in case of a snake bite can save lives. Remember, prevention is always better than cure, so take precautions to avoid snake bites whenever possible. Stay safe and informed to handle snake bite emergencies effectively.