Snake warning

By Nicole Williams
AS THE weather heats up, Ambulance Victoria is urging residents to be on the look out for snakes and be aware how to give basic first aid to snakebite victims.
Acting manager of Clinical Effectiveness and Research, Ambulance Victoria Jeff Kenneally said the number of suspected snakebites increased with warmer weather each year.
On average, 160 Victorians got to hospital each year with a suspected snake bite from walking through long grass, putting out the rubbish or working in the garden.
“Although snakes don’t like being near humans, as urban areas move further out they are more often now sharing a habitat with us,” Mr Kenneally said.
Snakes can be found in warm or cool areas during summer, so it’s best to be careful and watch where you’re walking, he said.
Ambulance Victoria warns that it is better to be safe than sorry with a suspected snakebite and seek medical attention but adds that basic first aid can make a big difference.
Mr Kenneally advises to keep the victim calm and still as muscle activity can spread any venom through the body, don’t wash any puncture marks or try to suck the venom out and wrap a moderately tight bandage around the area, working from the bottom of the limb up.
“Call for an ambulance or see a doctor as soon as you can,” Mr Kenneally said.