MORANBAH GOLFER THE SECOND SNAKE BITE VICTIM THIS MONTH
October 15 2020
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MORANBAH GOLFER THE SECOND SNAKE BITE VICTIM THIS MONTH
Golf isn’t normally what you’d refer to as one of the most ‘dangerous’ sports in the world.
But one unlucky Moranbah resident had a ‘round to remember’ yesterday when he was playing golf and stepped on what he thought was a stick. Closer inspection revealed it was actually a brown snake and the reptile was having a second strike at the poor man’s leg!
The golfer is the second person to be bitten by a snake and airlifted from Moranbah to Mackay Base Hospital by RACQ CQ Rescue this month.
The Mackay-based rescue helicopter has already airlifted 10 patients bitten by snakes this year, including one in July, four in April and one patient each in January and February.
RACQ CQ Rescue air crewman Quinton Rethus said the summer heat was flushing out snakes across the region with numerous sightings in suburban backyards. It is Reptile Awareness Day on Wednesday, October 21, so now was the perfect time to remind residents and visitors that as the weather heats up, the number of highly-venomous snakes on the move in yards and gardens also increases, he said.
In the event of a snake bite, immobilising the patient and limb with a crepe bandage and calling 000 could potentially save a life.
“With a snake bite, stopping the lymphatic spread of the venom is of paramount importance. With any snake bite, bandage the limb firmly, splint it if possible and immobilise the patient immediately,” Mr Rethus said.
“Every snake bite should be managed as a medical emergency. Correct first aid could save a snake victim’s life.”
The rescue helicopter service urged anyone administering first aid to a snake bite victim to never wash the area or try to suck the venom out, to not incise or cut the bite or apply a high tourniquet. Identification of the snake was often possible at hospital by the venom present at the bite site.
Mr Rethus said a brown snake could potentially kill in as little as 30 minutes, so with any suspected snake bite seek medical attention urgently.
During the hot weather it was vital residents took precautions and made children aware of the danger of snakes as most people were bitten when trying to kill or capture the reptiles, Mr Rethus said.
“Watch your step outside and wear appropriate footwear at all times.”
[ENDS]
RACQ CQ Rescue has airlifted two patients with snake bites from Moranbah already this month, including an unlucky golfer yesterday.
Please credit any released photos and video footage to RACQ CQ Rescue.
Please note: Full title of rescue service is RACQ CQ Rescue.
For further information please contact:
Naomi Noy
RACQ CQ Rescue
Ph: 0417 578 182