General News
3 March, 2025
Snake warning as heat continues
"Don’t let a hiss-terical situation rattle you": that's the message from paramedics urging Victorians to be safe during the remainder of summer.
Paramedics have attended 24 suspected bite incidences from snakes in the Loddon Mallee since December 1 last year, with another seven responded to in the Grampians.
There have been 129 suspected bites attended to across Victoria in that period, 124 of those patients having been transported to hospital.
Ambulance Victoria (AV) director of emergency management Dale Armstrong said with the continuing hot weather snakes were still out.
“Bites can often be avoided simply by being observant in areas that are likely to attract snakes, such as near rivers, long grass or sheds," Mr Armstrong said.
He said people could take measures to prevent having snakes at their homes by keeping properties clean of building materials, logs and rocks and keeping grass short.
“Most snakes in Victoria are venomous and a bite can be life-threatening," Mr Armstrong said.
“If someone is suspected to have suffered a snake bite, even if you’re not sure, you should call Triple Zero (000) immediately.”
Bites may cause pain and swelling around the puncture wound or there may be very few signs left on the skin.
Symptoms that snake venom has entered the body may include dizziness, blurred vision, breathing difficulties, nausea, muscle weakness or paralysis.
Mr Armstrong said there were some basic first aid steps people could take while waiting for an ambulance if they were with someone who had suffered a bite.
“If a snake bite victim is unresponsive and not breathing normally, you should begin cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR),” he said.
“If the patient is conscious, it is important to keep them still and reassured while waiting for help – only move them if it is too unsafe to stay put.
“Snake bites commonly occur on hands, feet or limbs so applying a pressure immobilisation bandage to the affected limb can also make a big difference to the treatment and outcome of a snake bite incident.”