Management of snake bite

Snake bite or suspected snake bite is a rare but dangerous condition. This statewide guidance provides information on managing snake bite envenomation or suspected snake bite.

Scope

The clinical guidance and pathways only apply to suspected community-acquired snake bites in patients who are not snake handlers. Specific advice regarding bites in snake handlers and from non-endemic snakes should be obtained from a clinical toxicologist (Victorian Poisons Information Centre: Tel: 13 11 26).

The clinical pathways in the guidance are relevant for both adult and paediatric patients. For snake bite guidance specific to paediatrics see the Royal Children’s Hospital Snake bite clinical practice guidance.

Research regarding the optimal management of snake bite in Victoria is ongoing. This guidance is based on best available evidence and expert opinion. We will review new evidence and update this guidance as appropriate.

Guidance

Snake bite guidance (Victoria)

This guidance should be read in conjunction with:

• Management of snake bite flow chart
• Urgent care centre snake bite pathway (Victoria)
• Emergency department suspected snake bite clinical pathway (Victoria)
• Emergency department snake bite envenomation clinical pathway (Victoria)
• Snake bite guidance supplement