Warning – snakes are on the rise in urban areas
[ The University of Melbourne Voice Vol. 2, No. 3
3 - 17 March 2008 ] By Rebecca Scott
Experts at the Australian Venom Research Unit (AVRU) based at the University of Melbourne are urging urban residents to be better prepared to avoid deadly snakebites.
“People should not think that because they are in the city they are immune to snake bites or death from snakebite,” says AVRU Director Dr Ken Winkel.
Dr Winkel says that possibly due to both drought and flooding, snakes are moving into more populated areas.
“Typically when there is a lack of water, snakes will move to where water is, and that is usually where humans also are. When there are floods, snakes tend to go to higher ground, again also populated by humans.”
According to reports to the AVRU there has been an increase in snakebites in recent weeks and months, causing concern for more snakebite deaths.
Last summer was reported to be the worst in decades with five deaths from snakebites, some in the major cities Melbourne and Sydney. Three adults and two children were victims.
“We are urging the community to be aware of the risks to prevent more deaths,” says Dr Winkel.
“What is alarming is we have had serious snakebite patients presenting to hospital without any first aid.”
Doctors and medical staff have also been urged to familiarise themselves with the effects of snakebite, so correct emergency treatment can be administered.
Dr Winkel says deaths can also occur if snakebite symptoms are misdiagnosed.
“The most effective treatment for snakebite is conducted at the scene, so this is basic first aid that everyone should learn. Don’t wait to get sick – act immediately and don’t panic,” he says.
Residents are urged to be wary when gardening or moving rubbish, as snakes may be lurking and strike if they are disturbed.
Another issue is that people don’t tend to know when they are bitten and only look for what they think will be punctures of snake fangs.
Dr Winkel urged all Australians to familiarise themselves with the Pressure Immobilisation First Aid technique, which helps to save lives from snakebite.
“The technique is relatively simple and all Australians should educate themselves so they can save their own lives, and the lives of others,” he said.
It involves staying calm, getting someone to apply a bandage to the affected limb (starting from the fingers or toes and moving towards the trunk to cover all the limb), immobilise the limb with a splint and keep the person still to avoid moving and spreading the poison around the body.
The AVRU has published emergency advice to ensure snake safety in the coming months.
AVRU is Australia’s peak body for venom information and research. It is based in the Department of Pharmacology at the University of Melbourne and funded by the Commonwealth Department of Health and Ageing.
DO
• Learn the Pressure Immobilisation First Aid Technique at www.avru.org. It’s simple to learn.
• Wear protective footwear and clothing outdoors – be especially careful around dusk and at night when tiger snakes and death adders are out and about
• Be aware that snakes can be anywhere – in the bush or backyard (especially vegetable patches and under rubbish).
• Stop and stay calm if you’re bitten by a snake (or even suspect it)
. Get someone else to apply first aid and then send them for help
. Do not ignore snakebite.
• Be aware that many snakebites may go unnoticed - don’t expect to always see the classical “two fang” punctures or even see the snake.
DON’T
• Try to catch the snake that bites you or someone else – this will not assist with treatment
• Go near a snake or try to touch one – however small
• Move if you have been bitten – try not to panic
• Pick up a dead snake or even a decapitated snake head – they can still give a dangerous ‘bite’ several hours after dying
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