Australia is home to about 140 types of land snakes and around 32 kinds of sea snakes. Of these, about 100 types of snakes are venomous. And out of this group of venomous Australian snakes, 12 species are likely to inflict a fatal wound. Included here are the brown snake, black snake, tiger snake, death adder, copperhead, taipans, rough-scaled snakes, and certain varieties of sea snakes.

The top three most venomous snakes in the world are all found in Australia — the Belcher's sea snake, inland taipan, and Eastern brown snake. Of the three, brown snake bites are more common.

Reasons to Have a Medical Snake Bite Kit

While the above data on Australian snakes is not meant to scare you, they could be reason enough to always keep a snake bite kit at home. It is not uncommon to find snakes in Australian households, particularly during breeding season when temperatures rise.

People who regularly go on caravan road trips or hiking parties can also benefit from snake bite kits. Since different snake species can be found all over the country, having the appropriate first-aid kit can make a difference in the case of a snake bite.

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Types of Snake Bites

Most snake bites happen when people disturb snakes, whether deliberately or accidentally. There are two main types of snake bites:

Dry bites

With a dry bite, no venom is released. The majority of snake bites fall within this category. However, it’s hard to tell if no venom was injected, so all snake bites should be treated as medical emergencies. Dry bites are also painful and can lead to swelling and redness.

Venomous bites

When a snake inflicts a venomous bite, it releases venom into the wound. This venom contains poison that can leave the victim numb or stunned. In worst-case scenarios, venomous snake bites can cause paralysis and death. Approximately 550 snake bites happen each year in Australia. On average, two people die from venomous snake bites annually.

Since it’s hard to tell a dry bite from a venomous bite, look out for the following symptoms:

  • Puncture wounds
  • Swelling, bleeding, or bruising
  • Severe pain in the bite area
  • Anxiety, headaches, nausea, dizziness, confusion, blurred or double vision
  • Difficulty breathing or swallowing
  • Swollen/tender lymph nodes in the armpit or groin (same side as the bite area)
  • Bleeding gums
  • Abnormal skin sensations like tingling, burning, etc.
  • Stomach pain
  • Muscle weakness or paralysis
  • Irregular heartbeat
  • Loss of consciousness, coma, or death

These symptoms of venomous snake bites usually don’t manifest at the same time. This is why people are advised to treat all snake bites as medical emergencies.

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Snake Bite First-Aid Kits

For everyone’s safety and peace of mind, every Australian should know how to treat a snake bite. Everyone should also have access to a snake bite first-aid kit. Having one on hand can make a world of difference, especially in the case of venomous snake bites.

In general, a snake bite first-aid kit would contain:

  • Large-width bandages
  • Pen or permanent marker
  • Thermal reflective blanket
  • Snake bite instruction/information sheet

There are different snake bite first-aid kits, and most are handy, lightweight, and compact enough to carry around.

Get Your Snake Bite First-Aid Kit from Medibc.com

Medibc.com is one of Australia’s major providers of first-aid kits and safety and medical supplies. We offer the following snake bite first-aid kits:

Survival Snake Bite Kit

The Survival Snake Bite Kit includes all necessities for snakebite first-aid treatment. The kit is contained in a lightweight, durable, water-resistant 600D Oxford polyester bag that can be attached to belts, backpacks, hiking and camping gear, and mountain bikes. You can store it in your caravan or 4WD as well.

Price: $63.59

Snake Bite First Aid Kit

The Snake Bite First Aid Kit is a basic set in a soft, lightweight case. The case can be mounted on belts, making it a highly portable option.

Price: $20.16

Snake Bite Emergency Kit

The Snake Bite Emergency Kit is a variation of the basic set, with additional triangular and heavy-duty crepe bandages. First-aid materials are also kept in a compact soft kit.

Price: $30.85

If you need a snakebite kit or any emergency medical supplies, please visit our website.