Australia is home to approximately 170 species of land snakes, of which about 100 are venomous. We have more venomous snake species than any other country, including some of the most dangerous in the world. Despite this, deaths from snake bites are relatively rare, averaging only two to three per year, thanks to effective antivenom and proper first aid. This guide will help you understand how to prevent snake encounters and respond correctly if a bite occurs.
Australia's Most Dangerous Snakes
While it's not necessary to identify the snake that has bitten someone (and attempting to do so can lead to additional bites), understanding which snakes pose the greatest threat can help you assess risk when spending time outdoors.
- Inland Taipan: The world's most venomous land snake, found in remote areas of Queensland and South Australia
- Eastern Brown Snake: Responsible for the majority of snake bite deaths in Australia, common in populated areas of eastern states
- Tiger Snake: Found across southern Australia, including Tasmania, often near water
- Western Brown Snake: Common across most of Australia except the east coast
- Coastal Taipan: Found in coastal areas of northern Queensland
- Red-bellied Black Snake: Common along the east coast, less dangerous but still requiring medical attention
Preventing Snake Encounters
The best way to avoid snake bites is to avoid snake encounters. Snakes are generally shy creatures that prefer to avoid humans, but will defend themselves if they feel threatened.
Prevention Tips
- Wear enclosed shoes and long pants when bushwalking
- Stick to cleared paths and avoid walking through long grass
- Watch where you step and where you put your hands
- Use a torch when walking at night
- Make noise when walking to alert snakes to your presence
- Never attempt to catch or kill a snake
- Keep your yard clear of debris, woodpiles, and long grass
- Store food securely to avoid attracting mice (which attract snakes)
Recognising a Snake Bite
Not all snake bites result in envenomation—approximately 40% of bites from venomous snakes are "dry bites" where no venom is injected. However, you should always treat every bite as potentially life-threatening until proven otherwise.
Signs of a Snake Bite
- Puncture marks or scratches at the bite site (may be difficult to see)
- Pain, swelling, or redness at the bite site (not always present)
- Nausea and vomiting
- Headache and dizziness
- Blurred vision or double vision
- Difficulty speaking or swallowing
- Difficulty breathing
- Weakness or collapse
- Bleeding from gums or wounds that won't stop
Important Warning
Symptoms of envenomation may not appear immediately—some can take hours to develop. Even if the person feels fine initially, they must still receive medical attention urgently. Never wait for symptoms to appear before seeking help.
The Pressure Immobilisation Technique
The pressure immobilisation technique (PIT) is the recommended first aid for Australian snake bites. Developed in Australia, this technique slows the spread of venom through the lymphatic system, buying valuable time to reach medical care.
Step-by-Step Guide
- Keep the person calm and still. Reassure them and have them lie down. Movement spreads venom more quickly through the lymphatic system.
- Call 000 immediately. Even if you're in a remote area with poor reception, make the call—emergency services can often triangulate your position.
- Do not wash the bite site. Venom traces left on the skin help medical staff identify the snake species and select the correct antivenom.
- Apply a pressure bandage. Starting at the bite site, wrap a broad pressure bandage (ideally 10-15cm wide crepe bandage) firmly around the limb. The pressure should be similar to bandaging a sprained ankle—firm but not cutting off blood circulation.
- Continue bandaging. Extend the bandage to cover as much of the bitten limb as possible, from fingers/toes up to the armpit or groin.
- Immobilise the limb. Apply a splint to prevent any movement. You can use sticks, rolled newspapers, or even another person's arm as a splint.
- Keep the person completely still. Do not let them walk, even to get to a vehicle. Carry them if evacuation is necessary.
- Monitor and reassure. Stay with the person, monitor their breathing and consciousness, and be prepared to perform CPR if needed.
Key Takeaway
The key to survival is keeping still and getting to medical care as quickly as possible. A person who remains completely still after a bite may have many hours before serious symptoms develop. A person who walks or runs may have only minutes.
What NOT to Do
Many traditional snake bite treatments are not only ineffective but can actually cause harm:
- Do not try to catch, kill, or identify the snake—this wastes time and risks further bites
- Do not cut the wound or try to suck out the venom
- Do not apply a tourniquet (this can cause tissue death)
- Do not wash the bite site (venom traces help identify the species)
- Do not apply ice or heat to the bite
- Do not give alcohol or medications unless directed by medical professionals
- Do not let the person walk if it can be avoided
Medical Treatment
Once at a hospital, medical staff will assess the bite and determine whether envenomation has occurred. A venom detection kit can identify the type of venom from traces on the skin, and blood tests can detect signs of envenomation.
If envenomation is confirmed, the appropriate antivenom will be administered. Australia has highly effective antivenoms for all dangerous snake species. With prompt treatment, the prognosis for snake bite is generally excellent.
First Aid Kit Essentials for Snake Country
If you spend time in areas where snakes are common, ensure your first aid kit includes:
- At least three heavy crepe bandages (10-15cm wide)
- Splint materials or SAM splints
- Permanent marker to mark the bite site and time
- Emergency contact information including the nearest hospital with antivenom
- Personal locator beacon (PLB) for remote areas
Be Prepared
Browse our range of outdoor first aid kits that include snake bite bandages and comprehensive supplies for Australian conditions. For remote adventures, consider a kit with a personal locator beacon.