Brown snake bites first aid guide 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.

Even those playing the LIV Golf tournament in Adelaide a couple years back had to contend with a King Brown snake. Luckily no one had to manage a King Brown snake bite!

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.

Are brown snakes venomous?

Absolutely. The Eastern Brown Snake (Pseudonaja textilis) is the world's second most venomous snake and responsible for more deaths in Australia than any other species. If you live in Adelaide or regional South Australia, understanding brown snake identification, recognising snake bite symptoms and knowing the pressure immobilisation technique could save your life or someone else's.

In this snake bite guide, we share everything you need to know about brown snake bites including a step-by-step snake bite first aid guide on what to do using the pressure immobilisation technique.

Recognising brown snake bite symptoms

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: Snake bite first aid

The Pressure Immobilisation Technique (PIT) is recommended as first aid management for all Australian venomous snake bites including brown snakes. This method prevents venom from spreading through the lymphatic system.

Resuscitation, if needed, takes precedence over the PIT.

What to do if you’re bitten by a brown snake

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

First Aid Pro Tip: Make sure you keep the casualty and the limb that has been bitten (if a limb) completely still. Bring transport to them if possible and get them to medical care, preferably by ambulance.

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: Snake bite emergencies

ALL suspected snake bites require immediate medical attention. Brown snake bites, in particular, can be fatal without prompt treatment.

Book a first aid course in Adelaide with Engage First Aid

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

Snake awareness Adelaide

First Aid Management of Australian Snake Bite, The Australian Resuscitation Council

Envenomation - Pressure Immobilisation Technique, The Australian Resuscitation Council

• What's the difference between an Eastern Brown Snake and a King Brown Snake?

  Despite the name, the king brown snake is NOT actually a brown snake. It's a member of the black snake family. This confuses a lot of people, including some snake bite victims.

• What do I do if I've been bitten by a brown snake?

  • Stay calm and keep completely still

  • Call 000 - all snake bites are medical emergencies

  • Apply pressure immobilisation bandages

  • Splint the limb

  • Stay still and wait for help

• Are brown snakes venomous?

  Yes brown snakes are extremely venomous. The eastern brown snake is the second most venomous land snake in the world.

• What is the pressure immobilisation technique?

  The pressure immobilisation technique (PIT) is the recommended first aid treatment for ALL Australian snake bites including brown snakes.

  It's not just helpful, it's life-saving. It slows the movement of venom through your lymphatic system.