Brown snake bites rail trail cyclist in Burringbar

Snake catcher Sarah Mailey, from I’ll Catch It Snake Relocations, says she assisted with a potentially deadly bite by an Eastern Brown Snake in Burringbar yesterday.

The incident on the rail trail was reported by multiple news outlets.

Ms Mailey said, ‘The snake was caught in the chain and unfortunately has bitten the rider. The rider has been rushed to hospital via an ambulance. The snake needed to be euthanised owing to the extent of the injuries. We are sending all our thoughts and positive vibes to the rider. Special thank you to the NSW Police & the public who were involved for assisting with this rescue’.

The woman is believed to be in her 60s and was rushed to hospital with a suspected ‘dry bite’.

Ms Mailey said, ‘Unfortunately, they are not out of the woods just yet, delayed reactions can happen. This is why the hospital will keep the rider in for at least 12hrs to monitor closely for any symptoms’.

‘Snake bites are often painless and symptoms can be delayed. If you have been bitten, think you have been bitten but am not sure or see bite marks, please do snake bite first aid’.

Fist Aid

Ms Mailey asked, ‘Do YOU know snake bite first aid?’

1. ‘Dial 000 on loud speaker – Tell the operator you need an ambulance, you suspect you have been bitten by a snake

2. ‘Stay still – Limit your movements to help slow the spread of the venom.

3. ‘Apply a pressure bandage – Wrap a pressure bandage around the bite site two times (as firm as how you would strap a sprained ankle) wrap up the limb from the bite site. If no pressure bandage is available, use any flexable type material ie: clothing, towel, glad wrap etc.

4. ‘Splint the bitten limb – Using something solid like a piece of wood, pole, rolled up newspaper, tree branch etc.

5. Stay as still as possible until the ambulance arrives.