Brown snake bites in Adelaide
As temperatures rise in Adelaide, our slithery neighbours become more active. Yes, there are snakes in Adelaide - particularly the Eastern Brown snake, one of Australia's most venomous species. Whether you're hiking in the Adelaide Hills or gardening in your backyard, or even playing golf, knowing how to handle snake bites could save a life.
Yes, even those playing the LIV Golf tournament in Adelaide had to contend with a King Brown snake. Luckily no one had to manage a King Brown snake bite!
@golf_gods with King Brown snake that decided to join everyone at the LIV Golf tournament in Adelaide
Brown Snakes in Adelaide
Eastern Brown Snakes are our most common snake species found in Adelaide. There are several species of brown snakes around Australia. They are responsible for most bite fatalities in this country.
Identifying a Brown Snake bite
Snake bites aren't always obvious. Look for these snake bite signs and symptoms:
Paired fang bites, however there is often only a single mark or a scratch mark
Headache
Nausea and vomiting
Abdominal pain
Blurred or double vision
Difficulty in speaking, swallowing or breathing
Swollen tender glands in the groin or armpit of the bitten limb
Limb weakness or paralysis
Respiratory weakness or respiratory arrest
First Aid management for snake bites
If the casualty is unresponsive and not breathing, start CPR
Call 000 for any casualty with a suspected snake bite
Keep the person completely still and continue to monitor
Apply pressure bandaging using the Pressure Immobilisation Technique
The Pressure Immobilisation Technique for snake bites
The Pressure Immobilisation Technique (PIT) is recommended as first aid management for all Australian venomous snake bites.
Resuscitation, if needed, takes precedence over the PIT.
For limb snake bites:
Apply a broad pressure bandage over the bite site as soon as possible
Use elasticised bandages over crepe bandages
If bandages aren’t available, clothing or other material can be used
The bandage should be firm and tight enough so that you are unable to easily slide a finger between the bandage and the skin
Apply another pressure bandage, commencing at the fingers or toes of the bitten limb and extending upward covering as much of the limb as possible to further restrict lymphatic flow and assist immobilisation
The bandage should be applied over existing clothing if possible
Splint the limb including joints on either side of the bite to restrict limb movement
If the bite is on the upper limb, use a sling
Ensure the casualty and the limb is still
Get the casualty to medical care, preferably by ambulance as soon as possible
For non-limb snake bites
Put firm direct pressure on the bite site
Don't restrict breathing or chest movement
Never apply from pressure to the neck or head
What NOT to do after a brown snake bite
❌ Don't cut or try to suck the venom
❌ Don’t wash the bite area
❌ Don't use an arterial tourniquet
Prevention tips for Adelaide residents
Keep grass short
Remove debris from yards
Wear closed shoes when gardening
Use a torch at night
Stay on clear paths when bushwalking
When to call 000
ALL suspected snake bites require immediate medical attention. Brown snake bites, in particular, can be fatal without prompt treatment.
Be Prepared
With brown snakes and other Adelaide snakes being regular residents for us to contend with (even on our golf courses!), being prepared is crucial. Keep emergency numbers handy and consider first aid training to build confidence in emergency response.
The information provided in this blog offers general insights only. It is important to note that this content is not intended to serve as medical advice and if you are experiencing a medical emergency, please call 000 immediately.
Resources and references
First Aid Management of Australian Snake Bite, The Australian Resuscitation Council
Envenomation - Pressure Immobilisation Technique, The Australian Resuscitation Council
