snake survival: how to avoid snakebites and first aid if you do get bitten on your bushwalks in Australia

see also:

  • every hiker in Australia should carry bandages in case of the rare snakebite - even if its only a 1 hour day hike
    • nearly all Australian snakes (apart from pythons) have highly lethal venom but they have short teeth so gaiters and boots and similar should be highly protective if you fail to see a snake and get too close to it and it tries to defend itself by biting you
    • when hiking be prepared for a snake bite
    • take first aid - bandages to create a mildly compressive bandage to slow lymphatic spread of venom (NOT that tight that it cuts off your circulation!)
    • if going where few other people will be and there is no mobile phone access, take gaiters as extra precaution and a communication device such as a personal radio beacon - especially important if you don't have a companion to go and get help for you
    • understand that you need to remain inactive to reduce lymphatic circulation speed and get to medical help as soon as possible - mostly you have a few hours if first aid has been applied - deaths within minutes is rare but can happen - and most snakebites are NOT dangerous as snakes generally choose NOT to envenomate you - so don't panic!
  • YOU DO NOT NEED a device to suck out the venom - these do NOT WORK with Australian snake bites - just apply bandages firmly and call for medical help
  • assume all snakes in Australia are venomous (most are except pythons and some tree snakes and a few others)
  • WATCH where you are walking - snakes will not always move out of your way and they may bite if you get too close or step on them
  • LEAVE them alone - let them do their thing, although sometimes they need to be given encouragement to move out of where you are living
    • call an expert if they are in your house!
  • DON'T handle snakes unless you are an expert
  • Take extra care in long grass or when searching for firewood and don't put hands down holes you can't see whats hiding inside