REMINDER: Snake Sightings On Course and South Driving Range

This fella was spotted yesterday on Course and more recently sightings on the South Driving Range – A reminder for members to me mindful in this warmer weather.  See below for a recent update on snakes, and some measures to take in the event of an incident with one. 

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There has been a sighting this week but it serves as a timely reminder to be aware as you are walking around the course.
Snakes are not aggressive unless they are provoked or stepped on.  There have been three species of snakes reported on the course, being Eastern Brown, Red Belly Black and Copper Heads.  Be mindful that these snakes are all venomous.  

We have snake bite kits situated in the GSC, the Bar, the Course Marshal cart and 6 of our Course Staff vehicles, so if there is a snake bite event, our team won’t be too far away, however, step one in an emergency is to call for an Ambulance on 000.

If you observe any of these symptoms while on the golf course, seek immediate medical attention.

• Puncture marks at the wound
• Redness, swelling, bruising, bleeding, or blistering around the bite
• Severe pain and tenderness at the site of the bite
• Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhoea
• Laboured breathing (in extreme cases, breathing may stop altogether)
• Rapid heart rate, weak pulse, low blood pressure
• Disturbed vision
• Metallic, mint or rubber taste in the mouth
• Increased salivation and sweating
• Numbness or tingling around your face and/or limbs
• Muscle twitching

What to do: PRESSURE, BANDAGE & IMMOBILISE

1. Follow DRSABCD.
2. Call Triple Zero (000) for an ambulance.
3. Lie the patient down and ask them to keep still. Reassure the patient.
4. If on a limb, apply an elasticised roller bandage (10–15 cm wide) over the bite site as soon as possible.
5. Apply a further elasticised roller bandage (10–15 cm wide), starting just above the fingers or toes and moving upwards on the bitten limb as far as can be reached. Apply the bandage as firmly as possible to the limb. You should be unable to easily slide a finger between the bandage and the skin.
6. Immobilise the bandaged limb using splints.
7. Write down the time of the bite and when the bandage was applied. If possible, mark the location of the bite site (if known) on the skin with a pen, or photograph the site. Do not wash venom off the skin or clothes because it can assist identification.
8. Stay with the patient until medical aid arrives.

Members are encouraged to download and familiarise themselves with a First Aid App.  On online and offline one is available here: GOOGLE PLAY or the APPLE STORE

 

Members are reminded that snakes are a protected species and it is an offence under the National Parks and Wildlife Act to kill or remove a snake from its environment.

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