Treatment

Treat any case of snakebite, or suspected snakebite, as a medical emergency.

Apply first aid. Seek medical help at the casualty section of the nearest public hospital.

The Queensland Ambulance Service produces a First Aid Hints Booklet that includes information about treating snakebite (see Section 6: Bites and stings). The booklet is available as a PDF on the Community Services - Publications and downloadable resources page of the Queensland Ambulance Service website [link opens in new window].

Identification of the snake is best undertaken by a museum expert (in Queensland and northern New South Wales, call the Queensland Museum, 07 3840 7555).

Properly applied first aid will delay the onset of serious symptoms.

Please refer to the Queensland Ambulance Service for first aid treatment of snake bite by a Queensland snake [link opens in new window]. Outside Australia, contact a local source for first aid advice.

It is always best to avoid being bitten. Most bites occur when people attempt to taunt, catch or kill snakes.