Snake bites rarely come with drama or warning.
Often, there is no sharp pain, no immediate alarm—just a small mark on the skin that can be easily overlooked. Yet during those quiet moments, venom may already be traveling through the body. This subtle danger is exactly why snake bites remain so deadly and why fast, correct action is critical.
Whether someone is working on a farm, gardening at home, or walking outdoors, basic first aid knowledge can save a life. As warmer weather increases snake activity, education around snake awareness and response must be treated as an essential part of everyday health and safety planning—not an afterthought.
Where and How Snake Bites Happen
Many people assume snake bites only occur in remote bushland. In reality, most incidents happen much closer to home. Research shows that over half of all snake bites occur near residential areas, often during ordinary activities like walking, gardening, or moving objects outdoors.
Snakes are attracted to areas that offer shelter, water, and food—particularly rodents. Farm buildings, sheds, gardens, and yards can unintentionally provide ideal conditions. Keeping grass trimmed, removing clutter, controlling mice, and securing water sources not only reduce snake presence but also improve overall property safety.
According to the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS), Australia records around 3,000 snake bites annually, with approximately 550 people requiring hospital treatment and an average of two deaths each year. Data also shows that men in their 30s make up the majority of victims, particularly those working in agriculture and outdoor occupations.
When snake species are identified, brown snakes account for the largest proportion of bites, followed by tiger snakes and red-bellied black snakes.
Why Protective Clothing Matters
More than 90% of snake bites occur on the arms or legs. This makes protective clothing one of the simplest and most effective prevention tools. Sturdy boots, long trousers, long sleeves, and gloves significantly reduce the risk of venom injection and injury when working outdoors.
Equally important is proper training. Every workplace—especially farms—should ensure workers know where first aid kits are located, how to contact emergency services, and how to respond calmly and correctly in a snake bite emergency.
Recognising the Signs
One of the most dangerous aspects of snake bites is that they may not hurt at first—or at all. Some people continue working, unaware they have been bitten.
Possible symptoms include:
Small puncture marks or scratches
Local swelling or redness
Sudden collapse or dizziness
Nausea or vomiting
Abdominal pain
Bleeding or bruising
Paralysis or difficulty breathing
Any suspected snake bite must be treated as a medical emergency, even if symptoms appear mild.
Types of Snake Bites
Dry Bite
A dry bite occurs when a snake bites but does not inject venom. While pain and swelling may still occur, there is no immediate way to confirm whether venom was released. For this reason, all snake bites require urgent medical assessment.
Venomous Bite
Venomous bites involve the injection of toxins that can affect the nervous system, blood clotting, muscles, and vital organs. Symptoms may worsen over time and can become life-threatening without treatment.
What to Do—and What to Avoid
Do:
Call emergency services immediately.
Keep the person still and calm.
Immobilise the affected limb using a splint or sling.
Apply firm bandaging starting from the bite and working upward. The bandage should be snug but not cut off circulation.
Only remove bandages in a medical setting.
Do Not:
Do not allow the person to walk or move unnecessarily.
Do not cut the wound or apply a tourniquet.
Do not wash the bite or attempt to suck out venom.
Do not try to capture or kill the snake—modern antivenom does not require identification on site.
Conclusion
Snake bites are medical emergencies that demand calm thinking, fast action, and correct knowledge. Prevention through awareness, protective clothing, and property maintenance is vital—but knowing exactly what to do after a bite can mean the difference between survival and tragedy. From farms to backyards, preparedness saves lives. When people are informed and ready, even the most silent dangers can be faced safely and effectively.