When a brown snake struck Herbert Nelson, he thought he might die.
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The 24-year-old Ganmain man had been feeding the dogs on Sunday afternoon, when the highly venomous reptile attacked.
Mr Nelson said he was lucky to be alive.
He took to social media to thank the doctors, nurses and paramedics that wasted no time to save him.
The young baker’s nightmare comes amid reports of an early serpent season across the Riverina.
Snake experts revealed a mouse plague was fuelling the problem, with an alarming number of eastern browns sighted.
The eastern brown is responsible for about 60 per cent of snake bite deaths in Australia and is the world’s second-most venomous terrestrial snake.
Mr Nelson said he didn’t see his silent attacker before it bit him. .
“I got one hit on the boot and I tried to get away from it,” Mr Nelson said. “As I turned away it got me on the calf.”
Running to the house, Mr Nelson used clothing to restrict the venom’s flow. In hindsight, he said he wished he had known how to properly treat a bite.
While few cases are fatal, the Royal Flying Doctor Service said the effects of a snakebite could be debilitating and far-reaching, with the advice to seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Mr Nelson said his GP had met him at Coolamon hospital, ahead of paramedics’ arrival. Nurses treated the young man before he was rushed to Wagga base.
“Without them and without the quick organisation and precision, I think it would have been pretty bad,” he said. “They were great.”
Living at least 40-minutes from the closest ambulance, Mr Nelson said it also may have been a different outcome if his mother had not been home.
“I’m extra lucky … I’m epileptic so I can’t drive,” Mr Nelson said. “My mum was here and able to drive me to Coolamon hospital.”
After 24-hours observation and around the clock tests, small traces of venom were found in Mr Nelson’s system, resulting from a “dry bite” – yet another stroke of luck.
He said he now had a “hardcore respect” for snakes and advised residents who may see one to “just get out of there”.
Wagga’s snake man Tony Davis shared some hot-tips ahead of this year’s snake season:
- Snakes are defensive and have very poor eyesight.
- Sit still or move backwards – away from the snake.
- Once three or four metres away, you can turn and start moving away a little quicker.
- Keeping an eye on the snake.
