Earlier this month, a woman walking through Katherine tragically lost her life after stepping on a snake. She didn’t notice any puncture marks, blood, or swelling at the time, but within the hour, she collapsed and couldn’t be revived.
Her death is the seventh confirmed snake bite fatality in the Northern Territory over the past 20 years, and it’s a sobering reminder of just how deadly our reptiles can be. Brown snakes in particular are becoming more common in built-up areas, and their bites can bring on collapse within as little as 20 minutes.
Why Snake Bites Are So Dangerous
Unlike the classic Hollywood image of two neat fang marks, many venomous snake bites leave no visible trace. Some species inject venom without pain or swelling, meaning the victim doesn’t realise what’s happened until they’re in serious strife.
Experts say Australia sees two to three snake bites reported in the NT every week in the warmer months. While most encounters can be avoided, when a bite does occur, time is everything.
What To Do If You’re Bitten
If you suspect a snake bite, even if you can’t see marks, the steps are clear:
- Call triple-0 immediately. Don’t wait to see if symptoms develop.
- Stay as still as possible. Movement pumps venom through the lymphatic system faster.
- Apply a pressure immobilisation bandage. Wrap the limb firmly from the bite site to the groin or shoulder, then immobilise it with a splint.
- Walk as little as possible. If possible, don’t try to walk yourself out, it speeds up venom spread.
Why Preparedness Matters
The Katherine case shows how easy it is to miss the signs of envenomation. That’s why snake bite first aid kits are essential gear whether you’re in the bush, on a property, or even in town.
We’ve been running our first aid kits from Survival for years and their snake bite kits are specifically designed for Aussie conditions. They come with the correct bandages for pressure immobilisation and easy-to-follow instructions printed right on the wrapping, critical when panic sets in.
Final Word
Australian snakes will generally avoid confrontation, but accidents happen. With warm weather rolling in, the risks are real whether you’re hiking, working on the farm, or camping with the family.
Having a quality first aid kit, and knowing how to use it, can mean the difference between life and death. Don’t wait until it’s too late.
