A man is being treated in Goulburn Base Hospital after being bitten by a snake at his home in Goulburn.
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The 36-year-old was bitten by possibly a tiger snake on Tuesday evening and was admitted to intensive care His condition on Thursday is listed as stable but he remains an in patient at the hospital.
On Wednesday, night November 14, a 53-year-old man was transferred from Goulburn Base Hospital to Canberra Hospital via helicopter after a tractor accident to his left ankle. His injuries are being reviewed by specialist vascular and is being reviewed orthopaedic teams.
Goulburn and district residents are reminded to keep an eye out for snakes and give them a wide berth.
A young couple, who had recently moved into a home in new Goulburn subdivision, encountered either a tiger or brown snake inside their home. The slippery invader was removed by a local snake catcher.
A couple of youngsters riding their bikes along the Wollondilly River Walkway trail had a close encounter with either a brown or tiger snake last weekend. The saw the snake crossing the path and waited till it was off the concrete to continue their ride. According to the horrified adults who witnessed the incident the kids didn’t wait till the snake was well clear of the path before continuing their ride.
Southern NSW Local Health District is also reminding people to be on the lookout for snakes and spiders when out and about.
If bitten by a snake, under no circumstances should a tourniquet be applied.
If the snake is still nearby, don’t try to kill it, just move slowly away from the snake.
In most cases the vast majority of venomous snakebites occur on the victim's arm or leg.
First aid procedures for snake bites include:
- never interfere with the bite in any way by cutting or attempting to suck out the venom
- don't wash or clean the venom from the skin, venom is not absorbed from the outside
- place a firm elasticised bandage to the limb commencing at the bite site, then going down to the fingers or toes and then up to the limb to the hip or shoulder
- several bandages may be required, or use whatever material is available such as clothing
- keep the limb still
- if the bite is to the leg splint the legs together. If the bite is to the arm, splint the arm to the trunk of the body
- mark the location of the bite on the outside of the bandage, if possible
- bring transport to the patient, never allow the patient to attempt to walk or run
- under no circumstances should the bandage be removed until the patient has reached hospital
- call 000 once first aid has been applied.
Spiders
- When it comes to spiders, people need to be aware of funnel web and redback spiders.
- Like snake bites, funnel web spider bites should be left untouched except for the use of an elasticised bandage and the victim should remain still until medical help arrives.
- Redback spiders are found in dark and dry places, including shoes left outside, helmets, under outdoor furniture and sometimes in play and garden equipment.
- Redback spider bites aren’t life-threatening and it is recommended the area bitten is washed and advice sought from the NSW Poisons Information Centre on 131126.
For further information see the NSW Poisons Information Centre at the Children’s Hospital at Westmead: https://www.poisonsinfo.nsw.gov.au/Frequently-Asked-Questions/Have-I-been-bitten-by-something-poisonous.aspx
All local hospitals have a comprehensive list of local species and treatment protocols.
Hospital emergency departments have antivenom which enables the emergency treatment of bites from black, brown and tiger snakes.
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