STUDENTS and residents learnt more about snakes and bites in separate talks in Two Rocks and Yanchep this month.
Atlantis Beach Baptist College students got insights into the life and behaviour of snakes when Snake Whisperer Paul Kenyon visited the Two Rocks school on November 22.
The following Monday, a St John Ambulance trainer gave a talk about snake bite first aid at the Two Rocks Yanchep Residents Association meeting.
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READ NOWIn his talks educating people about reptiles, Mr Kenyon brought venomous and non-venomous snakes to show students.
“The presentation was very timely because from now until the New Year is a particularly active time for snakes as this is their breeding season,” he said.
“My presentation focused on what children should do if they come across a snake in the outdoors and life saving techniques to use if they were unfortunate enough to be bitten by a snake.
“A highlight of the presentation was the students being able to handle and feel non-venomous python snakes in their classroom.”
Atlantis Beach Estate project director Jarrod Rendell said encouraged residents to take extra care during summer when snakes were more active.
“In active development areas like Atlantis Beach estate in Two Rocks, snakes are more likely to be on the move from the noise and vibrations in new areas of land development with houses being constructed,” he said.
The St John talk on November 25 outlined first aid treatment for people who were bitten by snakes, with advice to remain still, call for an ambulance and wrap the affected limb with a bandage to prevent infection and circulation of venom via the lymphatic system.
The trainer recommended people download the St John Ambulance First Responder App, which had first aid tips and locations of defibrillators.
The app can be used in emergencies to call 000 and directs straight to the WA call centre, giving operators the caller’s GPS location which can help improve response times.
Residents who find a snake can call the Snake Whisperer on 0439 941 004 or the Wildcare Helpline on 9474 9055.
