Victorians are urged to be on the look out for deadly snakes as temperatures rise, with new data showing 3000 people are bitten each year.
St John’s Ambulance are advising people to know what to do if they, or someone they know suffers a snake bite from one the 100 species of venomous snakes around the country, and to learn the lifesaving steps for snake bite first aid.
“As Victorians spend more time outdoors, it’s vital to remember snakes don’t want to bite, but if they do, every minute counts. Knowing what to do could save your life or someone else’s.” St John Ambulance Victoria’s chief Gordon Botwright said.
Eight-year-old Victorian Sassafras Ferris-Coulter remained remarkably calm after an education support worker at Perseverance Primary School was bitten by a snake earlier this year.
Using what she learned in school, she helped one of the teachers at on French Island mark the wound and assisted with a pressure bandage while waiting for an ambulance to arrive.
Thanks to her quick thinking, the patient was safely airlifted to Frankston hospital and made a full recovery.
Pressure immobilisation is essential in slowing venom spread, while trying to suck out the venom is a common mistake St John urges victims to avoid.
Victorians spending time outdoors hiking, camping or even golfing are also advised to carry a snake bite bandage in their bag.
For more information and training, visit stjohnvic.com.au