Australian Hospital Urges Snakebite Victims: Leave the Snakes Behind

Rather unusual yet serious public health advisory, Bundaberg Hospital in Queensland, Australia, is making a fervent plea to snakebite victims: please leave the snakes at home. This request comes in light of several incidents where victims, in an attempt to aid their diagnosis, have brought live snakes into the emergency department, inadvertently causing safety risks and treatment delays.

The Perils of Bringing Snakes to the Hospital

Adam Michael, the director of emergency medicine at Bundaberg Hospital, shared a concerning incident involving a small Eastern Brown snake, one of Australia's most venomous species, brought inside a loosely secured plastic container. This not only caused panic among the hospital staff but also posed a significant distraction, delaying the treatment process for the victim and others needing urgent care.

Understanding Snakebite Treatment

The hospital staff, although highly trained in medical emergency response, are not equipped or trained to handle live venomous snakes. Michael emphasizes that the identification of the snake species by visual means is unnecessary for treatment. "Doctors aren't trained to identify snakes, so it only puts the staff at risk as well as yourself," he explains. Instead, the hospital uses clinical symptoms, blood tests, and venom detection kits to determine the appropriate anti-venom and treatment course.

The Statistics and Risks

Australia sees about 3,000 snakebite incidents annually, with a significant portion attributed to the Eastern Brown snake. The risks associated with handling these snakes are immense, not just from potential secondary bites but also from the stress and chaos it can introduce into a high-stakes environment like an emergency room.

Hospital's Advice and Public Safety Measures

The hospital advises the public to focus on immediate first aid and prompt medical attention following a snakebite. This includes immobilizing the bitten area and keeping calm to prevent the spread of venom. Bringing the snake to the hospital is strongly discouraged as it offers no benefit and creates additional risks.

Bundaberg Hospital's plea to snakebite victims is clear: leave the snakes where they are and seek immediate medical help. This approach ensures the safety of both the victims and the medical staff, and facilitates the swift administration of the necessary treatments. As Australia battles with a high rate of snakebite incidents, public awareness and adherence to medical advice are crucial in mitigating risks and improving outcomes.