Identify & Treating Snake Bites

Novenber 21, 2023

Australia has around 100 venomous snakes - 12 with a bite that can kill, and on average 2 people die annually from venomous snake bites.

More deaths would no doubt result if we did not have access to anti-venom to treat these bites. When a snake bite has occurred, it is not necessary to catch or kill the snake in order to identify it.

Australia has around 100 venomous snakes — 12 with a bite that can kill.

This article summarises some important advice on how to identify snakes and also how to treat bites inflicted by these snakes.

The obvious concern with snake bites is determining the species of the snake and understanding whether its bite will be life-threatening.

But even when a snake is deemed harmless, its bite can still cause the victim to become infected or suffer severe allergic reaction, including anaphylaxis.

This is why First Aiders treat all snake bites as potentially life-threatening and why it's important to call for emergency assistance when someone is bitten.

Australia's Venomous Snakes

Australia is well known for having some of the deadliest snakes in the world, capable of causing death from a single bite.

Some side effects of a venomous snake bite include:

Paralysis
Nausea
Convulsions
Pain & swelling

Our Most Dangerous Snakes

Brown Snakes
Copperhead Snakes
Death Adders
Taipans
Tiger Snakes
Some Sea Snakes

In Australia, on average, 2 people die annually from venomous snake bites. More deaths would no doubt result if we did not have access to anti-venom to treat these bites. When a snake bite has occurred, it is not necessary to catch or kill the snake in order to identify it.

Killing a snake is not recommended. This would be better managed by an experienced snake handler. Your local council can usually help.

Snake Venom Detection Kits

A venom detection kit can be used to determine the snake responsible. Venom present on the victim’s clothes or on the skin is all that is needed for the kit. This is why it’s important not to wash the wound or discard clothing after a snake attack. In regard to killing snakes, the following video will help clarify the legal aspects. You'll notice that the speaker in the video makes ready reference to things not always going to plan for people who pick up a shovel aiming to kill a snake.

Types of Snake Bites

Snake bites can be 'dry' or 'venomous'. Both of these bites have corresponding symptoms and it's important to remember that even a non-venomous bite could still cause a reaction that can be life threatening if treated incorrectly.

Dry Bites

This type of bite involves a snake striking its victim without releasing venom and it’s often painful when the attack occurs. The difficulty with a dry bite is that it’s hard to tell if there’s venom present.

Some of the other symptoms that result from a dry bite are swelling and redness. While the skin may be punctured, this type of snake bite doesn’t require anti-venom.

As previously mentioned, even with a dry bite, call 000 — treat it as a medical emergency in case of complications, such as an infection or anaphylaxis.

Venomous Bites

Unlike a dry bite, a venomous snake bite involves a snake strike with venom (poison) being released. The venom in a snake bite has poisons that have the capacity to either numb, stun, or even kill another creature.

Symptoms of Venomous Snake Bite

Bleeding
Swelling & bruising
Severe pain, either immediate or gradual
Bite marks present on the skin, ranging from small scratches to deeper puncture wounds
Anxiety
Nausea & vomiting
Blurred vision & dizziness
Glands in the region of the armpit or groin where the bite has occurred becoming either swollen or tender
Difficulty breathing or swallowing
Headache, feelings of confusion, or stomach pain
Blood at the site of the wound or on the gums
Coma or death
Paralysis
Skin is either tingling, burning or stinging
Heartbeat becomes irregular

First Aid treatment for Snake Bite

For all types of snake bites, First Aid always regards it as an emergency. Call 000 for an ambulance and always be prepared to provide cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) as necessary.

Where the snake bite has been to a limb, hand, or foot, apply a pressure immobilisation bandage. For areas of the body where a pressure bandage cannot be applied, make sure you maintain firm pressure — this is vital to help stop venom circulating throughout the body.

Applying a pressure immobilisation bandage:

Place the pressure bandage over the bite. Make sure it’s tight, so you can’t slip a finger between the bandage and the skin.
After placing the pressure bandage over the bite, use either an elasticised roller or crepe bandage to wrap the rest of the limb. Start above the fingers or toes, depending on which limb is involved, and continue until you reach the body.
Mark the spot where the bite occurred on the bandage with a pen or felt-tip marker.
Help the victim remain as relaxed as possible and try to ensure they do not move around.

There is also a danger that the snake bite victim might have a severe allergic reaction and go into anaphylactic shock, which can be fatal. Some of the symptoms of anaphylactic shock are:

Difficulty talking or breathing
Vomiting, nausea or abdominal pain
Coughing or wheezing
Throat swelling or tightness
Swelling of the tongue
Pale or clammy skin

This highlights the need to call Emergency 000 without delay.

Victims of snake bite who have a history of anaphylaxis, may have an action plan in place which includes administering an injection of epinephrine using an auto injector. Check and take action accordingly.

How to Avoid Snake Bites

A large number of cases in Australia involve people who have been bitten while trying to either capture or kill a snake. When you see a snake, if you back away it will generally go on its way, leaving you alone. Not surprisingly, snakes are more likely to attack in self defence. Let sleeping snakes lie.