Australian Reptile Park broke its own record with 1.5 grams extracted from Chewie the King Brown snake in one milking.
Australia has some of the world’s most venomous snakes. Bites are uncommon, but when they do happen, knowing how venom affects the body—and how to respond—matters. This practical guide breaks down what venom is, how it spreads, the systems it targets, the symptoms to watch for, and the exact ANZCOR first aid steps. It’s written for Australian families, bushwalkers, and anyone who works or plays outdoors.
What is snake venom?
Snake venom is a highly specialised mix of enzymes and proteins evolved to immobilise prey and defend the snake. Composition varies between species—and even within the same species depending on age and geography—so effects can differ widely. Not every bite injects venom (a “dry bite”), but every snake bite should be treated as an emergency.
How venom moves through the body
After a bite on a limb, venom primarily spreads via the lymphatic system before reaching the bloodstream. Movement acts like a pump, speeding uptake. That’s why the Pressure Immobilisation Technique (PIT) is so effective: a firm bandage and splint slow lymphatic flow and buy critical time for antivenom and medical care.
What venom does: the main toxin effects
Neurotoxins (nerves)
Disrupt signalling at the nerve–muscle junction, leading to drooping eyelids, slurred speech, difficulty swallowing and, in severe cases, respiratory paralysis. Neurotoxic effects are classically associated with species like taipans and death adders.
Coagulation toxins (blood & clotting)
Interfere with the body’s clotting system, causing abnormal bleeding or bruising and laboratory clotting changes. Some Australian snakes are well known for disturbing clotting, which is why hospitals run specific blood tests after suspected envenoming.
Myotoxins (muscle)
Cause muscle damage and breakdown (rhabdomyolysis), which can lead to severe pain, weakness, dark urine and strain on the kidneys.
Cytotoxins (local tissues)
Damage cells near the bite, potentially causing swelling, blistering, and tissue death. Local effects vary by species and the amount of venom injected.
Symptoms: what you might notice (minutes to hours)
- Local effects: pain or pressure, swelling, tenderness.
- Early neuro signs: headache, nausea, drowsiness, drooping eyelids, blurred or double vision, trouble swallowing or speaking.
- Breathing changes: shallow or laboured breathing if paralysis develops.
- Bleeding/clotting signs: bleeding gums or nose, widespread bruising, or abnormal lab results at hospital.
- Muscle injury signs: generalised muscle pain, weakness, dark urine.
- Systemic signs: dizziness, sweating, collapse—treat as life-threatening.
Onset and severity vary with species, location of the bite, and how quickly first aid is applied. When in doubt, treat it as serious and call 000.
The recovery most people don’t plan for
We talk a lot about first aid and antivenom—but recovery deserves attention too. After discharge, some patients face:
- Functional rehab: if there’s muscle damage or local tissue injury, you may need rest, physio, or gradual return to work.
- Kidney monitoring: muscle breakdown can stress kidneys; your doctor may order follow-up tests.
- Mental health: it’s common to feel anxious about the outdoors after a bite. A couple of supported return trips to familiar tracks with a partner—and a well-stocked first aid kit—can help rebuild confidence.
Prevention and preparedness
- Keep lawns short, reduce ground cover, seal shed gaps, and control rodents.
- Wear boots and long pants in long grass; use a torch at night.
- Don’t attempt to catch or kill snakes. Call a licensed catcher if relocation’s needed.
- Carry a dedicated snake bite first aid kit with wide elastic bandages and a splint so you can apply PIT fast and correctly.
ANZCOR first aid: what to do if someone is bitten
- Call Triple Zero (000) immediately.
- Reassure and keep the person still. Movement speeds venom spread.
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Apply the Pressure Immobilisation Technique (PIT).
- On a limb, start a broad elastic bandage over the bite site, then bandage the entire limb firmly from fingers/toes to groin/shoulder.
- Splint the limb and keep it immobilised. Mark the bite site on the bandage if known.
- Do not wash the bite, cut or suck the wound, or apply a tourniquet. Do not give food, drink, or alcohol.
- Monitor breathing. Be ready to start CPR if the person becomes unresponsive.
- Stay with the patient until paramedics arrive. Hospital staff will assess, run blood tests, and give antivenom if indicated.
These steps align with ANZCOR Guideline 9.4.1 (Australian Snake Bite) and the Pressure Immobilisation Technique guidance used nationally.
Have the right gear on hand
A purpose-built kit ensures you’ve got wide elastic bandages and a splint ready to go. It lives in the 4WD, daypack, and at home—especially in warmer months when snakes are more active.
We’ve been in the first aid industry for 18 years. Along with quality kits, we provide clear training videos so you can learn and practise ahead of time—no app required in an emergency.
FAQ
Do I need to identify the snake?
No. Don’t waste time. Apply PIT, call 000, keep still. Hospitals use clinical assessment and tests to guide treatment.
What if the bite isn’t on a limb?
Apply firm direct pressure over the bite site and keep the person completely still while awaiting an ambulance.
Are snake bites usually fatal?
In Australia, deaths are rare thanks to fast first aid and access to antivenom—but serious illness can occur without prompt treatment, so treat every bite as life-threatening.
References (Australian sources)
- ANZCOR – Guideline 9.4.1: First Aid Management of Australian Snake Bite
- Healthdirect – Snake bites: causes, symptoms and first aid
- Australian Venom Research Unit (University of Melbourne) – Research & toxin information
- Australian Museum – Eastern Brown Snake (species overview)
- Queensland Poisons Information Centre – Snake bites
Further reading: Australian Bites & Stings resources on venom composition and first aid.
