NSW Ambulance is asking people to be mindful that the arrival of spring and warmer weather has coincided with increased snake and spider activity and the potential for bites.
Snakes in particular are on the move, looking for food and a mate after their winter hibernation. Since July 1, 2014, NSW Ambulance paramedics have attended 27 Triple Zero (000) calls for suspected*
snake bites.
Another 55 calls involved suspected* spider bite injuries, and three cases of patients swallowing spiders. This season’s first funnel web spider bite was responded to on July 17 – there have been 11
suspected bites so far.
Meantime, redback spider activity is also expected to pick up after their winter hibernation. Funnel webs, which are Australia’s deadliest spider, are active year-round.
NSW Ambulance Inspector Giles Buchanan advised that in the event of a snake or spider bite, people should call Triple Zero (000) and ask for an ambulance. He added first aid for snake and spider bites varied depending on the species.
For snakes and funnel web spiders:
• if the bite is on a limb, apply a pressure immobilisation bandage. The bandage should not cut off the circulation;
• if the bite is not on a limb, apply direct, firm pressure to the bite site with your hands. Keep the patient still and discourage them from walking around; and
• remember, never cut or excise the wound and do not attempt to suck the venom out. And do not apply a tourniquet.
For spiders (eg redbacks, white-tails, trapdoors):
• apply an ice pack or cold compress to relieve the pain; and
• if severe symptoms develop, seek medical aid; and
• in the case of small children involved in a suspected redback spider bite, medical aid should be sought, irrespective of whether symptoms manifest.
The NSW Office of Environment and Heritage (OEH) advises snakes are not naturally aggressive and always prefer to retreat. They will only attack humans if hurt, provoked or cornered – most bites occur
when people try to kill or capture snakes.
If people come across a snake in the bush, they are advised to back slowly away and leave the snake alone. Around the home, remove piled up debris from the yard and keep lawns mowed to reduce the
potential for reptilian surprises.
Insp Buchanan recommended that people check clothing that had been left outside before wearing them.
“Paramedics have attended many cases where people have put on boots and gloves and been bitten by spiders and even snakes which were hidden inside,” he said.
If you find a snake in your home or garden and would like it removed, call OEH on 1300 361 967 for contact details on licensed reptile handlers, or the Ask Environment Line at www.environment.nsw.gov.au.
Alternatively, if you need assistance or advice on reptiles, contact WIRES (NSW Wildlife Information Rescue and Education Service Inc) on 1300 094 737, or go to www.wires.org.au.
The Australian Reptile Park & Wildlife Sanctuary advises that, if bitten by a snake, under no circumstances should a person try to catch the reptile for its venom. Hospitals have venom detection kits and will be able to test that bite site, determine the species of snake and administer the antivenom.
Insp Buchanan said NSW Ambulance paramedics attended many cases where it did not always transpire that patients had been bitten by a poisonous snake or spider, however it was better to call Triple Zero (000) for assistance to be on the safe side. *Bites are largely regarded as “suspected” until the poison/species can be officially identified.