According to the World Health Organisation, roughly 1 to 2 people die from snakebite in Australia each year. The good news is this is significantly lower than the 1920’s when the Sydney Morning Herald reported about 13 people were dying each year.

Today we hear from Joyce, who bucks modern statistics which tell us that 74% of victims are male, with an average age of 46, and interestingly, with around 54% of bites happened at home.

She’s joined by her friend Frances and together, they share the story of what happened when along a spectacular, grade 5 track, over 3 hours from the nearest road, she describes what felt like a sharp stick hit her ankle.

Learnings from this episode:

• First Aid Training (preferably Wilderness (WFA) or Remote First Aid (RAFA) or Remote Area First Responder is essential for you and also those you walk with or meet along the way.
• How to treat a snake bite - what they did.
• The importance of carrying more than 1 snake bandage.
• When calling for help in the bush in coverage, call 000. Anecdotally, Police (rather than Ambulance) may be better equipped to locate you in a remote location (ie. away from roads/tracks/etc.)
• The incredible benefits of walking with a group where you know the skills and capabilities, rather than strangers (support, first aid, navigation, bushcraft, tasks, team management, etc)
• Understand that your backpack may not travel in a rescue helicopter. Pack smart.
• The value of debriefing with your group after a crisis. Taking a moment to take it all in and be gentle on yourselves.
• Utmost importance of being prepared: packing everything you need.
• Learning to mitigate risks: wearing long pants, gaiters, first aid kit and training, communication methods (for in and out of coverage).

Helpful Links:

• My comprehensive packing lists (day hikes, overnight hikes)
• What's in my first aid kit?
• Bites and Stings app
• Find a club in your state! Bushwalking Australia - 
• Emergency+ App
• What3Words