Australia is home to a variety of venomous snakes, and snakebite envenomation can be a serious medical emergency. Here’s an overview of some common venomous snakes in Australia, their geographical areas, symptoms, and treatments:
Species of Snakes
- 1. Eastern Brown Snake
- Geographical Area: Widespread across eastern Australia, including rural and urban areas.
- Symptoms: Can be initially minimal or unnoticed; progressive paralysis, bleeding disorders, renal failure, and collapse.
- Treatment: Immobilize the bitten limb with a pressure immobilization bandage, keep the patient still, and transport to a medical facility immediately. Antivenom is available.
- 2. Coastal Taipan
- Geographical Area: Coastal regions of northern and eastern Australia.
- Symptoms: Headache, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, collapse, seizures, paralysis, internal bleeding.
- Treatment: Immediate application of a pressure immobilization bandage, immobilization of the patient, and urgent medical evacuation. Antivenom treatment is required.
- 3. Tiger Snake
- Geographical Area: Southeastern Australia, including Tasmania, coastal islands, and some urban areas.
- Symptoms: Local pain in the foot and neck region, tingling, numbness, sweating, difficulty breathing and swallowing, paralysis.
- Treatment: Apply a pressure immobilization bandage, immobilize the patient, and seek immediate medical attention. Antivenom is available and effective.
- 4. King Brown / Mulga Snake
- Geographical Area: Widely distributed across Australia, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions.
- Symptoms: Pain at the bite site, headache, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, myolysis (muscle damage), renal failure.
- Treatment: Use a pressure immobilization bandage, immobilize the bitten limb and the patient, and transport to a medical facility as soon as possible. Antivenom is required.
- 5. Red-bellied Black Snake
- Geographical Area: Eastern Australia, particularly in forested areas, near water bodies.
- Symptoms: Mild local pain, swelling, possible necrosis at the bite site, rarely systemic symptoms.
- Treatment: Pressure immobilization technique should be applied, along with immobilization of the patient. Medical assessment is essential, though antivenom is less commonly required.
General Treatment Principles:
- Do Not Wash the Bite Site: Venom left on the skin can help identify the snake.
- Remain Calm and Still: Moving around can cause the venom to spread more quickly through the body.
- Pressure Immobilization Technique: Apply a broad pressure bandage over the bite site, then wrap the limb starting from the fingers or toes moving upwards on the limb as far as can be reached.
- No Tourniquets: This can isolate the venom in one part of the body and cause more damage.
- Do Not Suck the Venom or Cut the Wound: These actions can worsen the situation.
- Seek Immediate Medical Assistance: Always call emergency services or get to a hospital as quickly as possible.
Precautions:
- Avoiding Snakes: Wear protective clothing in areas where snakes may be present, and be cautious while walking in bushland or tall grass.
- First Aid Training: Knowledge of proper first aid for snakebites is crucial, especially in rural and remote areas.
It’s important to remember that all snakebites in Australia should be treated as potentially life-threatening, and medical attention should be sought immediately. Identifying the snake species is less crucial than prompt and effective first aid and medical treatment.