Tips and Information

Snake Bite First Aid
If someone is bitten by a snake or suspects a snakebite, do not panic.
 

• Keep the patient calm and if possible, do not move the victim
• Call an ambulance , immediately
• Do not wash, clean or cut the bite site
• Immediately apply a broad, firm bandage to the bite area, even over clothing if necessary. Bandage from the extremity (fingers/toes) of the limb and work up the limb, over and beyond the site. Multiple bandages may be needed to cover the entire limb. Clearly mark on the outer layer of the bandage where the suspected bite is.
• Do not use an arterial tourniquet
• Apply a splint or bandage limb to body or other limb to immobilise. Do not elevate the bite site. Keep checking for circulation to extremities, breathing and consciousness.
• Do not remove this bandage until patient is under medical care
• Do not try to catch or kill the snake.
• Treat all snakebite as a medical emergency regardless of whether you think the snake is venomous.

Possums

Ringtail Possum
A small reddish- brown possum with a white tip tail and small ears, kitten sized, they weigh 1 kg when fully grown.

Brushtail Possum
Large grey and white possum with large pointed ears and a bushy tail, they weigh up to 4 kgs as an adult.

Short Eared Possum
Similar in size and shape to the Brushtail Possum, it has smaller rounded ears and has a less bushy tail toward the tip. This possum is generally restricted to the mountain areas, rainforest and densely vegetated areas bounding watercourses.

Possum Problem
Whilst possums would prefer to live in a natural environment, they are opportunist and a ceiling space or shed makes just as nice a home too. Possums usually gain access to a roof space or ceiling via loose roofing tiles or roofing iron, broken fascia board or eaves, loose guttering or roof capping and holes in the brickwork or timber. Possums can usually be heard running with heavy thumping footsteps around in the ceiling early evening or morning when they are going out or returning from eating. They may also be heard to make guttural growling and hissing. Another and more obvious sign is a urine stain on the ceiling.