In Queensland, Australia, 47-year-old Jerromy Brookes died from the venom of an Eastern Brown Snake on Tuesday, March 19, 2024. This species, identified by the Billabong Sanctuary Townsville as the world’s second most venomous snake, inflicted multiple bites on Brookes’ left arm.
Responding to a distress call from a relative about a snake at a local childcare center, Brookes, without professional snake-handling training, attempted to capture the reptile. During the removal process the snake bit him three times. He secured the snake in a bag and drove to his Deeragun, Townsville home to inform his wife of the encounter.
Upon his arrival, his wife immediately attempted first aid, bandaging his arm and performing CPR as he lost consciousness. Queensland’s acting director of the Townsville district, Paula Marten, emphasized the critical nature of staying calm and applying basic first aid in such situations. Despite these efforts, paramedics, called to Brookes’ home around 3 p.m., could not prevent his cardiac arrest before their arrival.
Brookes was rushed to Townsville University Hospital in critical condition and was pronounced dead later that evening. His death is the first reported Australian fatality from a snake bite in 2024. This incident coincides with a report from the Queensland Ambulance, noting six snake bite incidents in the region in the preceding 48 hours.
Eastern Brown Snakes possess a venom lethal enough to cause death within minutes by disrupting blood clotting and damaging blood vessels, leading to elevated blood pressure and potential collapse.
Timothy Jackson, an evolutionary toxicologist at the Melbourne University Australian Venom Research Unit, stressed that a victim might suffer cardiovascular collapse within half an hour of the bite. He advises bite victims to remain immobile, apply first aid, and endeavor to keep the heart rate low, especially in isolated areas.
Snake experts caution only to engage with snakes if one is certified and adequately trained to handle them. According to Ben Avery, a snake catcher, one should refrain from interfering with Eastern Brown Snakes. He advises immediate contact with a professional snake catcher in such situations. Avery warns that the neurotoxic venom of these snakes can impair muscles, the heart, and other organs.
Research from the University of Melbourne revealed that brown snakes were responsible for 23 of Australia’s 35 fatalities from snake bites from 2000 to 2016. The analysis also noted that snake bite victims in Australia tend to be male and that bites are more frequent during the warmer seasons.
The Eastern Brown Snake, characterized by its medium size, relatively slim physique, and modestly sized head, typically inhabits woodlands, scrublands, and savannah grasslands, predominantly in Australia’s eastern and southeastern regions.
These snakes exhibit heightened activity during the spring and fall seasons.
The community mourns a father who died attempting to protect young children.
