Snakes Alive ... Saturday 27th November, 2004 ...

Attended, Karen, Stewart, Iggy, Malcolm, Aaron & Geoff

Some of the Interesting Facts we were Told

3.2 deaths per year
Appro 300 per year treated with anti-venom
Victims most likely to be male
Most deaths are due to Brown Snake
Snakes cannot be identified by colour. (The Lecturer released 4 snakes, all of different colour, but all Brown Snakes)

First Aid

Do not clean the bite site
Pressure - immobilisation bandage to the whole limb, extending as high up in the groin or armpit as is comfortable .(Bandage away from the body, then back towards the body. Retards spread of venom in lymphatics & capillaries.)

Contrasts

38% of humans attacked snake seen
0.4% of snakes attacked human
48% of Brown Snakes approached immediately retreated
40% were stationary
9% ignored the human
Less than 3% advanced towards researchers
Scientists found 25% of strikes were bluff
Only 15% of strikes had potential to cause significant envenomation
Distance of strike averaged 0.34m with a range from 0.11m to 0.67m

Regards Geoff



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