The beginning of the season has prompted Southern NSW Local Health District (SNSWLHD) to issue a public warning that snakes are starting to become increasingly active.

“Snakes normally stay well away from people but during the warmer months they are actively looking for food,” SNSWLHD’s Director of Critical Care, Dr Trish Saccasan-Whelan said.

“Snakes can be found in gardens and around houses, especially those near bushland”.

Dr Saccasan-Whelan cautioned people against going outside in the dark without shining a torch on the ground and also reaching into long grass or hollow logs without looking into them first.

“Areas around the home should be kept tidy and lawns mowed to discourage snakes,” she said.

“Wearing closed shoes and long pants can provide some protection when walking in bushland.

“Most snake bites are the result of trying to catch or kill snakes,” she said.

Dr Saccasan-Whelan advised to give snakes plenty of space and avoid trying to catch or kill a snake.

In event of snakebite, swift administration of first aid is crucial and has been medically proven to be lifesaving.

In most cases the vast majority of venomous snakebites occur on the victim's arm or leg.

“Understanding the correct first aid is vital for treating a snake bite and can sometimes make the difference between life and death,” Dr Saccasan-Whelan noted.

First aid procedures for snake bites include never interfering with the bite in any way by cutting or attempting to suck out the venom.

Don’t wash or clean the venom from the skin, venom is not absorbed from the outside.

Place a firm bandage to the limb commencing at the bite site, then going down to the fingers or toes and then up to the limb to the hip or shoulder.

Several bandages may be required, or use whatever material is available such as clothing.

Keep the limb still and if the bite is to the leg splint the legs together, or if the bite is to the arm, splint the arm to the trunk of the body.

Mark the location of the bite on the outside of the bandage, if possible and transport to the patient, never allow the patient to attempt to walk or run and under no circumstances should the bandage be removed until the patient has reached hospital.

Call 000 once first aid has been applied as all local hospitals have a comprehensive list of local species and treatment protocols.

Hospital emergency departments have antivenom which enables the emergency treatment of bites from black, brown and tiger snakes.

Dr Saccasan-Whelan said people living in or near bushland should keep bandages on hand to render first aid in the case of snakebite.

“Bandaging the snake bite immediately can be lifesaving and has been scientifically proven to retard venom flow to the central circulation,” she said.