SNAKE season is upon us, with emergency services warning people to take extra precautions when out and about.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Snake season typically begins around October, and there have been no shortage of snake sightings of across NSW, stretching from the inner suburbs of south west Sydney to western NSW.
Paramedic Angus McGrath, from NSW Ambulance, said it is important that people be wary of snakes and take proper precautions when outdoors in the upcoming warmer months.
"Be careful if you are moving roofing iron timbers or other things where snakes might be underneath, wear good shoes and long pants and be careful when you are bush walking," he said.
READ MORE:
Mr McGrath said the signs and symptoms of a snake bitw are dependent on the type of snake and in severe cases may include dizziness, difficulty breathing, paralysis and can lead to a cardiac arrest.
His advice was to call Triple Zero (000) to ensure the patient receives the best treatment as quickly as possible.
"Remain calm, keep the person bitten still and avoid any walking," he said.
"Apply a compression bandage to the wound. Wrap from the bite area, extending to the end of the limb and back up again without cutting of the circulation."
He said if the bite is not on a limb, apply pressure direct to the site of the bite.
"And, never cut or excise the wound. Do not attempt to suck out venom and don't apply a tourniquet," he said.
"If the patient is unconscious start CPR immediately," he said.
Mr McGrath said NSW Ambulance have responded to 55 call-outs for snake bites this Spring state-wide which is a 25 per cent increase when compared to this time last year.