In the warmer months, it is important that you are aware of the hazard snakes pose around our campuses and what to do if you see or are bitten by one.
Caution areas
Whilst you should be cautious in all areas around the campus, you should be especially mindful of the possibility of a snake encounter around the gardens and the bush areas of the buildings as well as in the car parks.
Night classes
Should you be on the campus at night try to keep to the well-lit areas so you can see what you are walking on. This is important as snakes tend to be attracted to pathways after dark as the pathways retain heated.
If you see a snake
Make sure to keep your distance and under no circumstances try to kill, capture or otherwise provoke a snake. If you spot a snake on campus report it and a trained and accredited snake handler will be called on to capture and relocate the snake to a safe area. Simply report the sighting to the facilities staff and to security.
Snake bites
If you have been bitten by a snake, it is important to remain calm, to alert someone and to seek medical attention immediately by calling 000.
Procedures for First Aiders
If you have to provide first aid to a snake bite victim, remember:
- Check for hazards and ensure the snake does not still pose a threat
- Ensure that an ambulance has been called
- Keep the victim’s movements to a minimum
- DO NOT wash venom off the skin.
- DO NOT cut the bitten area.
- DO NOT try to suck venom out of wound.
- As soon as possible apply a bandage over the bite site.
- Apply a pressure bandage starting just above the fingers or toes of the bitten limb and move upwards on the limb as far as can be reached (include the snake bite). Apply firmly without stopping blood supply to the limb.
- Write down the time of the bite and when the bandage was applied.
- Regularly check circulation in fingers or toes.
Wait for ambulance or medical assistance to arrive and follow first aid procedures.