Exotic Snakes

 First aid for exotic snake envenomation will depend on the species.

Australia is home to the most venomous species of snake in the world. Fortunately, the pressure-immobilisation technique provides effective first aid for envenomation by any of the dangerous species. Also, effective antivenoms have been developed for all of them.

The same is not true of snakes which are native to other parts of the world. In some cases of envenomation, pressure-immobilisation may be contraindicated and in others ineffective. There are antivenoms for most dangerous species, but these are not routinely held in hospital pharmacies. In view of these considerations, it is impossible to provide advice on exotic snake bite here. If a patient presents with suspected or confirmed exotic snake bite, contact AVRU:

N.B: If the species is known and antivenom is indicated, the appropriate antivenom for the species is listed in a table of exotic species in the reference section. Following the link listed in the Antivenom column will then show where the antivenom is held in Australia.

Last updated: July 2005