Families in the Breeza and Currabubula area will have the chance to learn the correct procedure for snake bite first aid next month.

The Rural Primary Health Nurses from Tamworth Community Health will host the session in conjunction with staff from Tamworth Hospital about bites following great public demand.

Rural Primary Health Nurse Vicki Prozinski said many people in the Breeza and Currabubula had expressed the need for an information session.

“I’ve had a lot of requests for snake bit first aid education in the Breeza and Currabubula area,” Ms Prozinski said.

“Many residents have told me they’ve seen snakes around farms, both out in the paddock and around the house, even in the kitchen cupboards, so we believed it was time to hold a session at Breeza.”

Ms Prozinski said it’s important farming families in particular understand the correct first aid for a snake bite.

“Rural people are exposed to snakes more than any other group in the community,” Ms Prozinski said.

“Rural people also often live further away from medical assistance, so it’s important to know how to dress a bite, and slow its effects while you seek help.”

Last year between 1 January 2009 and 30 November 2009, there were a total of 8577 bites and stings treated in NSW Emergency Departments, with the majority of these coming from rural and coastal areas.

The free snake bite information session will be held at Breeza Hall at 9am, Thursday 1 April.

Contact: Emma Gibbs

Phone: 6767 7135