As we head into warmer months down south, snake activity increases dramatically across Australia. This creates an urgent need for safety awareness to stop snake bites before they occur. CSL Seqirus, one of two Australian antivenom producers, recently rolled out a novel technology—an app. This app helps inform the general public about what steps they should take to respond to a snake bite in the most effective way. This effort is a response to the tragic death of Sept. The tragic case of a 41-year-old woman who passed away after stepping on a snake while walking on a suburban footpath in Katherine.
The app is a valuable resource not just for snake bites, but bites from other venomous creatures as well. Every year in Australia, about 1,600 people require hospitalization due to bites from poisonous snakes or spiders. Plenty need care for stings from insects and sea animals. The contrasting responses elicited by different snakes are a dramatic reminder of why it’s critical to know how to respond appropriately.
Understanding Snake Bites
Australia is known for being home to the majority of the world’s deadliest snakes and spiders. Each poisonous species can elicit unique and fascinating physiological reactions, but such phenomena illustrate the importance of correct and timely first aid measures. Without an external pressure bandage, snake venom can spread 10 cm a minute. A pressure bandage can stop this process in its tracks, allowing hours of critical time for emergency medical support.
Billy Collett stressed the need for Australians to know what to do in a snake bite emergency.
“The whole family should know what to do in the event of an emergency with a venomous critter … kids halfway through primary school should know how to put a pressure bandage on.” – Billy Collett
Collett’s remarks echo a developing worry that most either do not know or may be confused about the best way to react to harmful bites.
The Importance of Quick Action
Whether it’s a snake, spider, or any type of venomous bite, experts all caution that every second counts. Dr. Jules Bayliss pointed out that different antivenoms are available depending on the type of snake or spider involved in the incident. When given quickly, antivenom is incredibly effective at treating bites.
“Venoms are really complex mixtures of proteins and carbohydrates and we have specific antivenoms to provide treatment against different bites or stings that you may encounter from snakes, spiders and other creatures,” – Jules Bayliss
Collett warned against the all-too typical “she’ll be right” mentality, saying that lax attitudes can have really bad outcomes.
“Tourniquets are long gone for our Australian bites and stings … tourniquets are great for blood loss but that’s about it,” – Billy Collett
This observation emphasizes the importance of being armed with the latest information and skills in managing bite emergencies.
Educational Initiatives and Resources
The release of this app by CSL Seqirus is an exciting development in efforts to raise public awareness of the consequences of venomous bites. The app features instructions for applying pressure bandages and performing other critical first aid techniques properly.
Dr Bayliss said it was key to teach Australians how to enjoy their natural environment and stay safe while outdoors.
“So it’s really important that people understand how to enjoy the outdoors and the natural environment that we have, safely,” – Jules Bayliss
No one should attempt to corral or take a picture of the snake or spider that inflicted the bite, he stressed. Unfortunately, doing so can lead to wasting precious time.
“If you think you’ve been bitten by a snake, put a bandage on, if you think you’ve been bitten by a spider, put a bandage on,” – Billy Collett
This brief guidance is intended to complement and repeat the one or two most important steps that every person should take when a bite crisis arises.
