Damon Mcknight
Snake bites are a serious issue in Australia, with around 3,000 snakebites occurring each year, resulting in about 550 hospitalisations and an average of two deaths annually. Australia is home to some of the world's most venomous snakes, including the Inland Taipan, Eastern Brown, Tiger Snake, Red-bellied Black, and Death Adder. The severity of a snake bite depends on the snake species and venom type, with symptoms ranging from intense pain, swelling, and bruising to nausea, breathing difficulties, irregular heartbeat, and paralysis. Therefore, it is crucial to be able to identify a snake bite, which may appear as single or double puncture marks or even just a tiny scratch or graze with minor swelling. All snake bites should be treated as a medical emergency, and immediate first aid and medical attention are crucial for managing the bite and preventing further health complications or death.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Appearance | Bite marks on the skin, ranging from obvious puncture wounds to almost invisible small scratches or grazes |
| Symptoms | Intense pain, swelling, bruising, nausea, vomiting, breathing difficulties, irregular heartbeat, paralysis, loss of consciousness |
| Severity | Severity depends on the snake species and venom type. Viper venom affects blood and tissues, while Elapid venom affects the nervous system. |
| Treatment | Pressure immobilisation bandage, antivenom |
| Precautions | Avoid snakes, wear thick clothing like jeans and boots, use a torch when walking at night |
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What You'll Learn
- Snake bite identification: Look for single or double puncture marks
- Venomous bites: Cause severe pain, swelling, bruising, nausea, breathing difficulties
- Viper and Elapid venom: Viper venom affects blood and tissues, Elapid venom affects the nervous system
- First aid: Bandage and immobilise the bite area, dial emergency services
- Antivenom: Available for all snakes native to Australia, injected into the bloodstream
Snake bite identification: Look for single or double puncture marks
Snake bite identification is crucial, especially in snake-prone regions like Australia. If you or someone near you has been bitten by a snake, it is important to seek medical help immediately. All snake bites should be treated as a medical emergency.
To identify a snake bite, look for single or double puncture marks on the skin. These marks can range from obvious puncture wounds to almost invisible small scratches or grazes. The severity of the bite depends on the snake species and venom type. For example, viper venom affects the blood and tissues, causing severe pain, swelling, and tissue damage at the bite site. On the other hand, elapid venom, found in cobras and Australian elapids like the brown snake and taipan, is primarily neurotoxic, impacting the nervous system and potentially leading to paralysis or death.
In addition to the puncture marks, other symptoms of a venomous snake bite may include intense pain, swelling, bruising, nausea, vomiting, difficulty breathing, and changes in heart rate. It is important to note that not all snakes are venomous, but it can be challenging to distinguish between venomous and non-venomous snakes in the wild. Therefore, any snake bite, whether it appears to be venomous or not, should be treated as a serious medical condition.
If you suspect a snake bite, it is crucial to take immediate action. First, ensure the safety of the bitten individual and yourself by moving away from the snake and seeking a safe location. Then, call for emergency medical assistance by dialling 000 in Australia. While waiting for help to arrive, it is essential to keep the bitten person calm and still to prevent the venom from spreading further. Apply a pressure immobilisation bandage by firmly wrapping a crepe or roller bandage (10-15 cm wide) over the bite and up the limb, immobilising the area. Mark the site of the bite on the bandage or take a photo for reference. These initial steps of first aid and timely medical intervention can be crucial in managing a snake bite and saving lives.
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Venomous bites: Cause severe pain, swelling, bruising, nausea, breathing difficulties
Snake bites in Australia can be life-threatening and require emergency medical treatment. All snake bites should be treated as potentially life-threatening, and you should call an ambulance immediately. Venomous snake bites can cause severe pain, swelling, bruising, nausea, and breathing difficulties. The severity of these symptoms depends on the type of snake, the amount of venom injected, and the location of the bite. Viper venom, for instance, affects the blood and tissues, causing severe pain, swelling, and tissue damage at the bite site. It can also lead to internal bleeding and organ damage.
Elapid venom, found in cobras and Australian elapids like 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, so timely medical intervention is critical. In addition to the symptoms mentioned above, venomous bites can also cause irregular heartbeats and, in some cases, paralysis or death. The Inland Taipan, Eastern Brown, Tiger Snake, Red-bellied Black, and Death Adder are among the most dangerous snakes in Australia, causing the most serious bites.
While not all snakes are venomous, it can be challenging to distinguish between venomous and non-venomous snakes in the wild. Therefore, it is crucial to seek medical attention for any snake bite, even if the symptoms seem mild. Snake bites can vary in appearance, but they typically feature single or double puncture marks from the snake's fangs. These marks can range from obvious wounds to almost invisible small scratches. It is important to note that snakes bite to defend themselves, so bites often occur when a snake is accidentally picked up, threatened, or stepped on.
If you or someone near you is bitten by a snake, immediately move away from the snake and call an ambulance. Do not try to catch or kill the snake, as this can provoke it to bite. While waiting for emergency services to arrive, you can apply a pressure immobilization bandage to the bite area. This involves applying a crepe bandage over the bite, immobilizing the limb, and keeping the patient calm and at rest. It is also essential to monitor the person's vital signs, such as breathing and consciousness. If the person shows symptoms of anaphylaxis (a severe allergic reaction), use an adrenaline autoinjector (EpiPen™ or Anapen™) if one is available and follow the steps of an ASCIA allergy action plan.
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Viper and Elapid venom: Viper venom affects blood and tissues, Elapid venom affects the nervous system
A snake bite is a medical emergency and requires immediate attention. In Australia, about one in three hospital visits for snake bites are from brown snake bites. The symptoms of a snake bite can vary depending on the type of snake. Some common symptoms include bite marks on the skin, which could be obvious puncture wounds or small scratches, numbness, vomiting, severe pain, and in some cases, anaphylaxis or a severe allergic reaction. It is important to seek medical help and call for an ambulance in case of a snake bite.
Now, let's focus on the differences between viper and elapid venom:
Viper venom is haemotoxic, which means it attacks the circulatory system. It can cause internal bleeding and interfere with the blood's ability to clot. Viper venom contains a complex mixture of enzymes, low-molecular-weight proteins, metallic ions, and other constituents. For example, the venom of Russell's viper found in South Asia contains procoagulant enzymes that affect the blood clotting process, leading to coagulation abnormalities and spontaneous hemorrhages. Additionally, viper venom can cause tissue damage and necrosis, resulting in the loss of a finger or other body parts.
On the other hand, elapid venom is typically neurotoxic, which means it interferes with the transmission of nerve impulses. It can have an immobilizing effect, causing the victim's body to turn rigid or become limp. Elapid venom is known to be fast-acting and potent, but antivenom treatments are available and effective. The red-bellied black snake, an Australian elapid, is an example of a highly venomous elapid, yet there are no recorded deaths from its bites.
It is worth noting that the availability of antivenom varies depending on the region. For example, in the United States, antivenom for vipers is more readily available than for elapids. Additionally, it is important to remember that the severity of a snake bite depends on various factors beyond the potency of the venom, such as the amount of venom injected and the depth of the bite.
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First aid: Bandage and immobilise the bite area, dial emergency services
All snake bites in Australia should be treated as a medical emergency. If you or someone near you has symptoms of anaphylaxis (a severe allergic reaction), call triple zero (000) and ask for an ambulance. If you have access to an adrenaline autoinjector (EpiPen or Anapen), use it and follow the steps of an ASCIA allergy action plan if one is available.
If the person bitten is unresponsive or not breathing normally, start cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and use a defibrillator if needed. Ensure the area is safe for both the victim and the rescuer. Get the person away from the snake. Do not try to catch or kill the snake—many Australian snakes are protected species.
To apply a pressure immobilisation bandage, first put a roller bandage (10cm to 15cm wide) over the bite. Use a second roller bandage on the arm or leg. Start just above the fingers or toes of the bitten limb and move up the body. The bandage should be tight—you should not be able to easily slide a finger between the bandage and the skin. Stop the limb from moving by using splints. If possible, mark the site of the bite on the bandage with a pen or take a photo of the site.
About 5 in 100 people bitten by a snake will be given antivenom. Antivenom is available for all snakes native to Australia and stops the snake's venom from working. It is injected into the bloodstream. Your doctor will work with a clinical toxicologist (a doctor who specialises in managing poisonings) to decide if you need this treatment.
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Antivenom: Available for all snakes native to Australia, injected into the bloodstream
Snake bites are a medical emergency and can be life-threatening. In Australia, about 1 in 3 hospital visits for snake bites are from brown snake bites. The symptoms of a venomous snake bite include intense pain, swelling, bruising, nausea, breathing difficulties, irregular heartbeat, and paralysis. The severity of these symptoms depends on the type of snake, the amount of venom injected, and the location of the bite.
Antivenom is a treatment for snake bites that is injected into the bloodstream. It is available for all snakes native to Australia. Antivenom is created by injecting animals, such as horses, with small doses of venom, gradually increasing the dosage over time. This helps the animal produce an immune response without causing its death. The antibodies in the animal's plasma can then be used to create antivenom.
Australia has been at the forefront of antivenom research and development since the late 19th century. Australian antivenoms are considered to be among the best in the world in terms of purity and adverse reaction rates. The identification of the snake species is crucial in determining the appropriate type of antivenom to be used.
There has been ongoing research to develop a universal antivenom that protects against a broader range of species and has a longer storage life. One notable example is the recent development of a broadly effective snake antivenom by a team of US researchers, using the blood of a man who injected himself with deadly snake venom over 18 years.
The dosing of antivenom is an important consideration in its effectiveness. Some studies recommend restricting the dose to one vial for all envenomated patients, while others argue that this may be insufficient, particularly in cases of multiple bites or larger amounts of venom injected. The initial dose should be based on the specific snake species and the amount of venom typically delivered.
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Frequently asked questions
A snake bite may look like a slight scratch or graze, or it may cause some minor swelling. It can be a single or double puncture mark. However, it is important to note that even if the bite seems insignificant, first aid should be administered and treatment should be sought.
Symptoms of a venomous snake bite can include intense pain, swelling, bruising, nausea, vomiting, difficulty breathing, and changes in heart rate. Vipers cause tissue damage and affect the blood, while Elapids, found in cobras and Australian snakes like the brown snake and taipan, can lead to paralysis and respiratory failure.
All snake bites should be treated as a medical emergency. Call an ambulance on 000 immediately. If you are in a remote area with poor mobile reception, dial 112. You can also contact the National Poisons Information Centre on 13 11 26 for advice.
Apply a pressure immobilisation bandage by following these steps:
- Put a roller bandage (10-15cm wide) over the bite.
- Use another roller bandage on the arm or leg, starting from the fingers or toes and moving up the body.
- Ensure the bandage is tight, but not so tight that the person feels numb or their skin changes colour.
- Immobilise the limb with splints.
- Write down the time of the bite and when the bandage was applied.
- If possible, mark the site of the bite on the bandage or take a photo.
Antivenom is available for all snakes native to Australia. Blood tests will be done to identify which antivenom is needed. Antivenom is injected into the bloodstream to stop the venom from spreading.
