The Barwon Southwest community should stay vigilant when heading outdoors following snakebite incidents across the region.
Ambulance Victoria (AV) and first responders attended 25 calls for suspected snakebites in Barwon Southwest from 1 November last year to 21 February this year.
AV Emergency Management manager Rebecca Hirsch said she encouraged people to be careful of snakes as the weather warms up.
“Most snakes in Victoria are venomous, and a bite can be life-threatening,” she said.
“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.
“Victorians can also take preventative measures around their home by keeping their property clear of rocks, logs and building materials, and keeping grass short.”
Ms Hirsch said paramedics and first responders attended close to 171 suspected snakebites across the state since November, with 165 people transported to hospital.
“If a snake bite victim is unresponsive and not breathing normally, you should begin cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR),” she said.
“If the patient is conscious, it is important to keep them still and reassured while waiting for help and 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.”
If someone suspects that they have suffered a snake bite, they are encouraged to call Triple Zero (000) immediately.
