Key Takeaways
- A woman in her 40s was potentially bitten by an eastern brown snake while geocaching in south-west Sydney.
- The snake became trapped in her shoe, and she was lucky to be alive due to her calmness and the quick response of paramedics.
- Eastern brown snakes are responsible for the most recorded deaths in Australia from snake bites, and their venom can kill in less than 15 minutes.
- The woman was treated for possible bites and is recovering from the incident.
- Experts stress the importance of staying calm and still when encountering a snake, and seeking medical attention immediately if bitten.
Introduction to the Incident
A woman in her 40s is lucky to be alive after a potentially deadly encounter with an eastern brown snake while participating in a treasure-hunt-style game called geocaching in south-west Sydney. The incident occurred on Saturday when the woman felt something slither around her leg while she was in bushland. She initially thought it was a big leaf wrapped around her leg, but it turned out to be a venomous eastern brown snake. The snake became trapped in the heel loop of her sneaker, and the woman’s calmness and the quick response of paramedics and a snake catcher, Cory Kerewaro, helped save her life.
The Dangers of Eastern Brown Snakes
Eastern brown snakes are considered one of the most venomous snakes in the world, and they are responsible for the most recorded deaths in Australia from snake bites. The venom from an eastern brown snake can kill in less than 15 minutes, making it a highly dangerous species. Snake catcher Cory Kerewaro praised the woman’s willpower to stay calm during the incident, which helped prevent the situation from becoming even more deadly. Mr. Kerewaro has experience dealing with snakes, but he said that this incident was "nearly unbelievable" and "tops anything I’ve done."
The Rescue and Medical Response
Paramedics and Mr. Kerewaro were called to the scene around 3:30 pm on Saturday. They had to be careful when approaching the woman, as they didn’t want to put themselves at risk of being bitten by the snake. Once they were able to safely remove the snake from the woman’s shoe, paramedics were able to treat her for possible bites. There were some marks on her legs that could have been bite marks or just scratches from the bushland, so as a precaution, they treated it as a snake bite. They applied a bandage to the area, a box splint for limb immobilization, and administered medication to slow down the onset of symptoms.
The Importance of Staying Calm and Seeking Medical Attention
Mr. Kerewaro and other experts stress the importance of staying calm and still when encountering a snake. Snakes react to movement, so the more you stay still, the better it is for you. If it’s a safe distance, it’s best to back away slowly. If you’re bitten, it’s essential to seek medical attention immediately. NSW Ambulance acting duty operations manager Linda Evans said that their intensive care paramedics carry certain medications that can assist in slowing down the onset of symptoms, and they make sure the patient is stable and get them as quickly as possible to a hospital that carries an antivenene.
The Woman’s Recovery and Advice for Others
The woman is recovering from the incident and is expected to be okay. Mr. Kerewaro said that he had spoken to the woman, and she was going to take a couple of days’ rest and process it all. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of being aware of one’s surroundings, especially when participating in outdoor activities in areas where snakes are common. It’s also crucial to know what to do in case of a snake encounter and to seek medical attention immediately if bitten. By staying calm, still, and seeking medical help, you can reduce the risk of serious harm or death from a snake bite.