Snake bite victims urged not to bring snakes with them to the hospital(ABC News: Grace Whiteside)
In brief: Health authorities advise against attempting to catch snakes post-bite due to risks. Recent incidents have seen snake bite victims bringing the reptiles to Emergency Departments, endangering medical personnel. Doctors stress the importance of seeking help, providing first aid, and staying composed. In Queensland's Wide Bay region, patients have presented highly venomous snakes to hospitals, believing it aids in identification and treatment. Recently, Bundaberg Hospital encountered a case where a patient brought in a small eastern brown snake in a plastic container.
A small snake in a lunch container that was brought into the Bundaberg Hospital Emergency Department.(Supplied: Wide Bay Hospital Health Service)
Following the incident, Adam Michael, the hospital's director of emergency medicine, has issued a cautionary message advising patients to avoid engaging with snakes.
"We genuinely discourage any further interaction with snakes," Dr. Michael stated. "Approaching, attempting to catch, kill, or photograph snakes only escalates risks for individuals."
Bundaberg Hospital Director of Emergency Medicine Dr Adam Michael.(ABC Wide Bay: Grace Whiteside)
Dr. Michael mentioned that the eastern brown snake brought in earlier this month wasn't properly secured and was squirming to escape. He emphasized that this caused alarm among the staff, leading to potential delays in providing prompt treatment to patients.
"Our priority is ensuring swift assessment and treatment for patients. Having a live snake in the department hampers this process," he explained.
Treatment does not require Snake's identity.
Snake bites in Australia are typically rare occurrences. However, in March, a tragic incident unfolded as 47-year-old Jerromy Brookes succumbed to multiple bites from a suspected eastern brown snake in Townsville.
Statistics reveal approximately 3,000 suspected snake bites across Australia annually, yet only a fraction, ranging from 100 to 200 cases, necessitate anti-venom treatment, as noted by clinical toxicology researcher Geoff Isbister from the University of Newcastle.
Authorities state that identifying the snake is unnecessary for the safe treatment of a suspected snake bite. (Source: ABC Wide Bay, Grace Whiteside)
This year in the Wide Bay region alone, nearly 100 individuals, including children as young as one, have received treatment for snake bites.
Dr. Isbister emphasized that many snake bites result from human interference with the reptiles, such as attempts to handle or relocate them, leading to avoidable incidents. He strongly advises against approaching snakes altogether.
Dr. Isbister also noted that it's not uncommon for patients to bring snakes into hospitals, highlighting the risks associated with such actions.
While snakebite fatalities are uncommon in Australia, swift action is crucial if one is unfortunate enough to be bitten. (Source: Supplied by Christina Zdenek)
"It poses significant danger because hospital personnel are typically unable to identify the snake," he explained.
"If the snake escapes within the emergency department, it could lead to a major disaster."
Dr. Michael emphasized that medical professionals do not rely on visually confirming the snake species to administer treatment.
"We can assess the need for anti-venom and determine the specific type required through clinical indicators, laboratory tests, and the snake venom detection kits available in our facility," he clarified.
"Identifying snakes is not within our expertise, and attempting to do so only jeopardizes the safety of both the staff and the patient."
Jonas Murphy warns that engaging with snakes is a risky endeavor. (Source: ABC News, Grace Whiteside)
Snake catcher Jonas Murphy has transported numerous snakes that were brought into Bundaberg Hospital.
Mr. Murphy highlighted the significant risk posed by snakes being contained in plastic containers or bags, as there is a potential for them to escape.
"By allowing snakes to escape, you're not only risking another bite, but also endangering everyone nearby," Mr. Murphy emphasized.
He further stressed the anxiety that snakes can provoke in many individuals and emphasized the importance of keeping them out of hospital premises.
The focus should be on providing first aid.
Dr. Michael stressed the importance of remaining calm and seeking assistance if bitten by a snake.
"It's crucial not to wash the bite area," he advised. "Instead, we recommend applying a firm pressure immobilization bandage, beginning from the bite location and wrapping the entire limb. Remaining calm and motionless helps reduce the chances of venom spreading throughout the body."