‘A bit scary’: Perth mum's sudden encounter reminds us why prevention beats treatment

Tracey Alexander was simply tending her garden on what seemed like an ordinary Perth afternoon.

Pulling weeds in her backyard–a routine task many of us tackle as the weather warms–quickly turned into a life-threatening emergency when she felt something scratch her ankle.

Looking down, the 48-year-old mother of six discovered she'd been bitten by a tiger snake, one of Australia's most venomous reptiles.

What happened next offers valuable lessons for anyone who spends time in their garden, particularly during the warmer months when snakes are most active.

While Tracey's experience was undoubtedly frightening, her story actually highlights something remarkable about snake bite treatment in Australia.

Despite having some of the world's most venomous snakes, Australia only records about two deaths from snake bites annually, compared to over 51,000 deaths in India each year.

Recent medical research shows that of the 835 people who experienced snake envenoming across Australia over a decade, tiger snakes accounted for 17 per cent of cases, while brown snakes were responsible for 41 per cent.

The good news? With approximately 3000 snake bites occurring annually in Australia, resulting in about 500 hospital admissions, the vast majority of people survive their encounters.

As warmer conditions return, both snakes and humans become more active outdoors, leading to increased likelihood of interaction, particularly when people are gardening.

For those who love pottering about in their gardens, prevention strategies can significantly reduce your risk.

Keep your garden tidy by cutting grass and maintaining it at a lower height – snakes have less hidden space to explore and will be more visible to spot.

Keep all bushes, shrubs, and trees pruned, ensuring no branches lead to your roof or are touching the house.

Avoid using mulch, rocks, and larger building materials as they attract snakes. Consider using smaller fitted rocks like slabs, gravel, or river rock to prevent snakes from hibernating in these spots during colder months.

Snake season in Australia runs from September through April, when snakes come out of brumation during warmer months to hunt, find water, mate, and breed.

If it's not possible to keep grass short, wear closed-in shoes and long pants, and keep your eye out for snakes while gardening.

Tracey's 17-year-old niece acted quickly, applying pressure to the wound with a belt tourniquet and bandaging her leg.

While her quick thinking was admirable, this response highlights a dangerous misconception about snake bite first aid.

Arterial tourniquets, which cut off circulation to the limb, are potentially dangerous and no longer recommended for any type of bite or sting in Australia.

Snake venom travels through the lymphatic system–tiny tubes throughout the body that return fluid to the bloodstream. Muscles act as a 'pump' to move fluid through this system, which is why staying still is vital to slow venom spread.

The proper first aid technique uses pressure immobilisation bandaging (PIT), which works very differently from a tourniquet:

1. Apply a firm bandage over the bitten area using a wide elasticised bandage if available, then bandage the entire limb (fingers to shoulder or toes to hip)–as tight as you would for a sprained ankle

2. Apply a rigid splint to the limb and keep still while awaiting ambulance transport

3. Don't wash the bitten area – venom residue on the skin may help medical personnel identify the snake type

Understanding snake behaviour can help you plan your garden activities more safely. Most snake incidents occur in warmer seasons when snakes are more active.

Snake bites received earlier in the season (spring/early summer) may be more severe, as the snake's venom glands are fuller than later in the season.

Many people think there's an influx of snakes when weather warms, but snakes undergo a reduced activity period from April to August spent in brumation or hibernation. They haven't increased in numbers – they've just become more visible.

Never attempt to catch or kill a snake–this is illegal and snakes are incredibly important to the local ecosystem. There are many professional snake catchers who will safely and humanely relocate your visitor.

Snake identification can be tricky – a brown-coloured snake may not be an eastern brown snake. If someone is bitten, don't waste time trying to catch or kill the snake.

Perform first aid and go straight to hospital, where medical staff can test the bite site to determine the species.

Before you ever encounter a snake, find a good snake consultant or catcher in your area to remove stress from trying to find one while panicked. Keep their contact details handy.

Research shows that 45 per cent of snake bite victims continued moving around after being bitten, raising questions about first aid knowledge. Having a clear action plan can make all the difference.

Tracey Alexander spent one night in Joondalup Health Campus and returned home safely to her family–a testament to Australia's excellent emergency medical response and antivenom availability.

As you head out to enjoy your garden this season, remember that a bit of preparation and awareness goes a long way. Stay alert, stay safe, and keep those snake catcher numbers handy.

Have you had any close encounters with snakes in your garden? What safety measures do you take during the warmer months? Share your experiences and tips with fellow gardeners in the comments below.