ABeachport man’s encounter with a venomous snake, which saw him hospitalised, serves as a timely reminder that snake season has arrived.


For the benefit of others, Sharon Joppich wished to reach out to the community to share what she and her husband Nev had learned after recently experiencing the ordeal.


“Nev was the victim of a snake bite here in Beachport. I want to share our learning, for the benefit of others,” Mrs Joppich said.


“Nev was bitten by the water station in Beachport. He simply stepped out of the ute and immediately felt the bite to the back if his foot – first learning was wearing thongs.


“He then saw the back end of the snake as it went under the ute and realised what had happened.


“He drove home to our house, second learning – he probably should not have moved.


“Pulled into our carport and told me what had happened. Third learning – I have senior first aid certificate.”


Mrs Joppich got her husband to lay down immediately while she called 000.


“As we are fencing contractors and work remotely and employ staff I have snake bite kits in all our vehicles – fourth learning,” she said.


“I applied a bandage to Nev’s full leg, with a splint and waited for ambulance to arrive, whilst on the phone to 000.


“Nev was transported to Millicent Hospital then rapid transfer to Mount Gambier ED, where he spent the night. Mount Gambier ED did blood testing at regular intervals as per Australian snake bite protocol and were in communication with toxicologist specialists at the Royal Adelaide Hospital.


“Fifth learning – it took 15 hours for Nev to have an effect from the venom and was administered anti-venom at 2.00am – the bite happened at 11.30am morning previous.


“He was discharged the following morning and then returned Tuesday for follow up bloods.


“He was advised to not work this week as cuts are standard in our line of work and his blood was not coagulating as normal yet, due to venom.”


Mrs Joppich reported Nev has made a full recovery and has been able to return to work.


“We have many people to thank,” she said.


“A huge thanks to our local ambulance volunteers Julie Moran and Linda Carter-Shepard who came when I called them direct whilst waiting for Millicent ambulance.


“Rylan Lee, Kellie Thomson, Samuel Back, Cocko and Sarah, who all came as soon as I called to help lift Nev into ambulance as he had to be immobilised.


“SA Ambulance Service, Millicent Hospital and Mount Gambier Hospital ED, for the care received. Staff could not be faulted and we thank you from the bottom of our heart.”


As the weather starts to warm up, members of the public are reminded to stay vigilant.


Mrs Joppich has urged the community to not be complacent.


“Please learn from our experience. If safe to, lay down and stop moving immediately, pressure bandage affected limb, call 000 and do not leave the victim,” she said.


“Do not try to kill the bloody snake, that achieves nothing.


“I have been asked by many if we killed it. Umm, no. I was busy making sure Nev stayed living.


“Above all else please purchase snake bite kits, they are on average less than $20 and have them in your house and car.


“We have a lot of the snakes in Beachport and we need to not be complacent.”


In an effort to encourage the community to invest in a snake bite kit, Mrs Joppich will stock them at the Beachport Post Office.


Snake season typically starts in September with the reptile actively roaming through to around May.


We’re not the only ones likely to be basking in the sun as snakes are getting out and about too.


Tips from the South Australian Department for Environment and Water on what to do in the event of a snake encounter.


If you see a snake:


Leave it alone. Snakes are generally shy and will not attack unless provoked, so it’s best to leave them be.


Call a professional snake handler for assistance.


Tips for avoiding a snake bite:


Never try to catch or kill a snake yourself. This is when most bites happen.


Stick to the trails in national parks and reserves.


Wear sturdy, enclosed footwear and long pants.


Keep your yard clear of long grass and rubbish so snakes have nowhere to hide.


Rats and mice are a snake’s smorgasbord – clean up your property.


If you are bitten:


Always assume the snake may be venomous, even little snakes can be dangerous.


Keep calm and sit quietly, as this will reduce the speed the venom can move around your body.


Call 000 for medical help.


Apply a firm and tight broad pressure bandage over the bite site as soon as possible. Use a splint to keep the bitten limb still.


Be prepared to commence other first aid such as Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR).


Remember:


Snakes are protected native animals under South Australian law.