Key Takeaways
- A woman in Sydney’s south-west survived being bitten multiple times by an eastern brown snake that became trapped in her shoe.
- The snake, a highly venomous young adult, became stuck in the heel loop of the woman’s shoe while she was geocaching in a garden bed.
- The woman stayed still and called an ambulance, which likely contributed to her survival.
- The snake died of heat exposure after being trapped on hot bitumen for over half an hour.
- It is crucial to seek treatment immediately after a snake bite, even if you don’t think you’ve been envenomated.
Introduction to the Incident
A woman in Sydney’s south-west had a narrow escape when she was bitten multiple times by an eastern brown snake that became trapped in the heel loop of her shoe. The incident occurred on Saturday afternoon while the woman was geocaching in a garden bed in Narellan. According to snake catcher Cory Kerewaro from Reptile Relocation Sydney, the woman felt something on her leg and jumped out of the garden onto the road, shaking her leg vigorously before realizing it was a snake.
The Snake’s Desperate Attempt to Escape
The eastern brown snake became stuck in the heel loop of the woman’s shoe, and in an attempt to free itself, it wrapped around her ankle several times. Kerewaro explained that when the woman realized it was a snake, she stayed still, which likely contributed to her survival. The snake’s desperate attempt to escape led to it suffering heat stress after being trapped on the hot bitumen for over half an hour. The situation was unlike anything Kerewaro had ever dealt with before, and he was relieved when he arrived and found that the snake was heat-affected, making it easier to handle.
The Rescue and Aftermath
When Kerewaro arrived, he was able to pin the snake quickly and undo the woman’s shoe, allowing her to move away to safety. A paramedic then cut the heel loop to free the snake, but unfortunately, it died of heat exposure. Despite being bitten multiple times, the woman survived and was taken to hospital, where she was later released. Kerewaro praised the woman’s actions, saying that she had done exactly the right thing by staying still and calling an ambulance. He emphasized the importance of seeking treatment immediately after a snake bite, even if you don’t think you’ve been envenomated.
The Importance of Seeking Medical Attention
Kerewaro highlighted that not all bites from venomous snakes result in envenomation, but it is critical to seek treatment regardless. He encouraged people to carry a snake bite bandage when outdoors and to keep one in the glovebox of their car. The woman’s survival was largely due to her quick thinking and the prompt medical attention she received. Kerewaro’s experience and expertise also played a crucial role in the successful rescue. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of being prepared and taking necessary precautions when outdoors, especially in areas where venomous snakes are common.
Conclusion and Final Thoughts
The incident involving the woman and the eastern brown snake is a remarkable one, and it highlights the importance of staying calm and seeking medical attention immediately after a snake bite. Kerewaro’s expertise and the prompt response of the paramedics likely contributed to the woman’s survival. The incident also serves as a reminder of the importance of being prepared and taking necessary precautions when outdoors, especially in areas where venomous snakes are common. As Kerewaro said, "It’s still unbelievable," and the incident will likely stay with him for a long time. The key takeaways from this incident are clear: stay calm, seek medical attention immediately, and be prepared when outdoors.