New School Nurse

How to react to being bitten by a snake

With the ongoing heat, and multiple snakes being sighted at Red Cliffs Secondary School it is imperative that we know how to act if a snake is seen or if you have been bitten by one. Snake bites are usually inflicted on lower legs, ankles and feet. The most common snakes seen in Mildura are eastern brown snake and tiger snakes. When bitten by a snake, its important to know that not all snakes will release their venom however baby snakes are more prone to envenomation due to lack of control but can only be determined by a blood test in hospital.

If you see a snake what to do: 

• STAY CALM 
• move away from the snake slowly - Do not attempt to catch or kill a snake yourself.
• Tell a staff member as soon as possible.

If Bitten by a snake what to do:

• Stay calm and remain still.
• DO NOT RUN AWAY, this allows the venom to transfer into your lymphatic system, allowing venom to circulate around your body to you heart becoming fatal. 
• Get someone to assist from Sick Bay (School Office) and they will call 000.
• Apply a pressure immobilisation bandage around the affected limb - Work from the bottom of the limb up over the bite area and continue as far up the limb as you have bandage. Mark the area of the bite on the bandage to make it easier for the ambulance crew or paramedics to identify.
• Splint the limb to prevent movement.
• Wait until help arrives.

Key points

• They are more scared of us than we are of them. 
• If you think you've been bitten don't take the chance- get to hospital immediately 
• DO NOT apply a tourniquet- that method is no longer recommended. 
• DO NOT wash the site of the bite, as venom left on the skin can be used to help identify the type of snake and required anti-venom treatment.

Jordan Fishlock

Secondary School Nurse 

North West Victoria Region, Mallee Area

Department of Education