SNAKE season is upon us, with emergency services warning people to take extra precautions when out and about.
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Snake season typically begins around October, and there have been no shortage of snake sightings of around the city, especially near the lower level bridge walking path, along the river and near the Eglinton Bridge.
From October 1 until October 27, the Western NSW Local Health District (WNSWLHD) has treated 17 suspected snake bites across the district, including two in the Bathurst area.
The total number is a slight increase from the same period in 2020.
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Paramedic Angus McGrath, from NSW Ambulance, said it is important that people be wary of snakes and take proper precautions when outdoors in the upcoming warmer months.
"Be careful if you are moving roofing iron timbers or other things where snakes might be underneath, wear good shoes and long pants and be careful when you are bush walking," he said.
Mr McGrath said the signs and symptoms of a snake bitw are dependent on the type of snake and in severe cases may include dizziness, difficulty breathing, paralysis and can lead to a cardiac arrest.
His advice was to call Triple Zero (000) to ensure the patient receives the best treatment as quickly as possible.
"Remain calm, keep the person bitten still and avoid any walking," he said.
"Apply a compression bandage to the wound. Wrap from the bite area, extending to the end of the limb and back up again without cutting of the circulation."
He said if the bite is not on a limb, apply pressure direct to the site of the bite.
"And, never cut or excise the wound. Do not attempt to suck out venom and don't apply a tourniquet," he said.
"If the patient is unconscious start CPR immediately," he said.
Mr McGrath said NSW Ambulance have responded to 55 call-outs for snake bites this Spring state-wide which is a 25 per cent increase when compared to this time last year.
"Responses have included a 58-year-old woman bitten at Katoomba, she was winched from a walking track and airlifted to hospital. A 12-year-old boy was bitten on the leg at Coolabah; and a 35-year-old male was bitten by what was believed to be a brown snake at Parkes."
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