Green Tree Snake

Gold Coast

Snake Catcher

Red-naped Snake Rough-scaled Snake Spotted Python Common Tree Snake Small-eyed Snake Coastal Carpet Python Yellow-faced Whip Snake White Crowned Snake Brown Tree Snake Eastern Brown Snake Red-bellied Black Snake Keelback Snake Golden-crowned Snake Marsh Snake Stephens-banded Pale-headed Snake Blind Snake Bandy Bandy Snake Australian Coral Snake Taipan Death Adder Tiger Snake Grey Snake Lesser Black Whip Snake Carpentaria Snake Spotted Black Snake Dwarf-crowned Snake
Snake bite    First aid

South-east Queensland is home to approximately 27 snake species, but only 13 are regarded as medically significant. If you are unlucky enough to be bitten, here is a guide of what and what not to do in the event of a snake bite.
NOTE: All snake bites should be treated as venomous especially in the absence of reliable identification and first aid action should be applied immediately with Pressure Immobilisation Bandaging and call 000.
First aid


Click here for how to apply correct first aid.
  • Red-naped Snake
  • Marsh Snake
  • Spotted Python
  • Stephens Banded Snake
  • Pale-headed Snake
  • Blind Snake
DO NOT:

  • Do not wash or clean the bite site. Venom residue left on the skin may be used by medical professionals to potentially identify the species of snake involved and administer the correct anti-venom.
  • Do not cut the bite site. This can aid in venom progressing to the bloodstream and cause further symptomatic response.
  • Do not apply an arterial tourniquet or elevate the bitten site. This may cause tissue damage and affect blood flow to other parts of the body.
  • Do not attempt to catch or kill the snake. Attempting to catch or kill the animal can lead to further bites and injuries. If possible take a digital photo.

Above all, DO NOT PANIC. Calm the patient, immobilize the affected area by applying a Pressure Immobilisation Bandaging and seek medical help immediately call 000 and ask for ambulance.


Treatment of Snake Bite:


Apply a Pressure Immobilisation Bandage.


Go to the following link for up to date methods to treat snake and other envenomations


Australian Venom Research Unit

Symptoms associated with envenomation:


The most common symptoms following an envenomating snake bite are listed below; however these may vary between cases depending on both the general medical condition and age of the person bitten. The species of snake involved will further determine symptomatic responses.


  • Bite marks in the skin with site swelling. The bite site may ooze blood or other discharges.
  • Burning.
  • Convulsions.
  • Fainting or dizziness.
  • Weakness.
  • Blurred vision.
  • Fever.
  • Increased thirst.
  • Muscle coordination loss.
  • Nausea and vomiting.
  • Rapid pulse.
  • Numbness or tingling.
  • Soreness in the lymphatic system under the armpits and around the groin area.
  • Loss of consciousness.