Snake Bite in Airlie Beach Sparks Seasonal Warning for Whitsundays Residents

An ambulance was called to Magnums Hotel at 10:10pm on Sunday, 15 February, following a reported snake bite.

The patient, a man in his 20s, was treated at the scene before being transported to Proserpine Hospital in a stable condition after sustaining a bite to the leg.

The incident serves as a timely reminder for residents and visitors to the Whitsundays that snake season is in full swing. Snake activity is expected to remain elevated through to April, driven by the region’s warm and humid conditions.

The most commonly encountered snakes in the Whitsundays include the green tree snake and scrub python, both of which are non-venomous. However, residents are also urged to remain alert for venomous species such as the eastern brown snake and the taipan.

In the event of a snake bite, authorities stress the importance of calling Triple Zero (000) immediately and remaining as still and calm as possible. Lying down is recommended, with the entire body kept immobile to slow the spread of venom through the lymphatic system.

If the bite is on a limb, a firm pressure bandage should be applied over the bite site and wrapped upward toward the heart, covering as much of the limb as possible. The location of the bite should be noted to allow medical staff to assess it without removing the entire bandage.

A splint should then be applied to the affected limb using any rigid object, such as a stick, branch or rolled newspaper. The patient should remain lying down and avoid movement until emergency services arrive.

Photo source: Shutterstock

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