Wide Bay Health Service urges snake bite victims to stop bringing the reptiles into hospitals

Queensland health officials are urging snake bite victims to stop bringing the venomous reptiles into hospitals with them.

Wide Bay Hospital staff were prompted to make the plea following incidents of bite victims bringing the offending snake with them to the emergency department with the mistaken belief it could assist medical staff to decide what antivenom to use.

WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Snake bite victims urged to stop bringing the offending reptiles into hospitals.

However, doctors said such a move could be more harmful than helpful.

“Several patients have brought live and dead snakes into the emergency department,” Dr Adam Michael told 7NEWS.

“That’s really the opposite of what we want people to be doing.”

Health officials reported that almost 100 patients, some as young as one, have been treated for snake bites in Wide Bay Health Service hospitals this year—with a number of patients bringing snakes with them inside plastic food storage containers.

However, doctors don’t need to see the snake to determine which antivenom to use, instead using information from things such as blood test results and snake venom detection kits.

“If someone is bitten, their best course of action is to remove yourself from danger,” Jonas Murphy from Murphy’s Reptile Relocations said.

He also warned that trying to catch or kill a snake to take to the hospital could waste precious time and even result in another bite.

“You’re not only putting yourself at risk, but basically putting everyone else at risk as well.”

Experts said if you believe you have been bitten by a snake, remain calm and still to stop the venom from spreading before seeking help.

“Snake bite patients who are envenomed can have severe life-threatening complications such as bleeding, breathing difficulties and loss of consciousness,” Dr Michael said.

“It’s really important to not cut or wash the bite site, instead apply a firm pressure immobilisation bandage starting at the bite and covering the entire limb.”

- With Jamie Tenikoff