Two-year-old Ezra was bitten by an eastern brown snake while playing in his backyard. What the toddler did next saved his life

Snake is one of the few words two-year-old Ezra Porter knows, which came in handy when the youngster was bitten by one of the deadly reptiles while playing outside.


Snake is one of the few words two-year-old Ezra Porter knows, which came in handy when the youngster was bitten by one of the deadly reptiles while playing outside. 

The toddler has earned the praise of his family and doctors for alerting his mother after he was bitten on the foot by an eastern brown snake, one of the most venomous in the world, at his home in Port Wakefield last month. 

Ezra immediately ran inside to tell his mum after he was attacked on his playset in the backyard of his home 100km north of Adelaide

Miranda Porter raced outside just in time to see the snake before it slithered away. 

I saw the bite mark and it was extremely scary to be honest... I asked where did it get you? I cried, I was shaking, Ms Porter told 7News.

Ms Porter said she was terrified that the situation could have turned deadly and that it was an absolute blessing her little boy was unhurt. 

To have that thought... Were just about to lose our little man. Theres no words to describe that, she said. 

She called triple-zero and Ezra was airlifted to the Womens and Childrens Hospital.

Ezra Porter has earned the praise of his family and doctors after quickly alerting his parents moments after being bitten by a snake (pictured as he was airlifted to hospital)

Ezra Porter has earned the praise of his family and doctors after quickly alerting his parents moments after being bitten by a snake (pictured as he was airlifted to hospital)

The toddler was bitten by an extremely venomous eastern brown snake in his backyard (stock)

The toddler was bitten by an extremely venomous eastern brown snake in his backyard (stock)

Once at hospital, doctors determined the injury had fortunately been a dry bite, a term used when no venom has been injected into the wound. 

If the eastern brown snake had injected its venom, Ezras quick thinking could have saved his life as the toxin can cause death in less than an hour. 

Dr Michela Mitchell, from the Womens and Childrens Hospital Toxicology Department, said it was remarkable Ezra was able to recognise the danger and tell his mother what had happened.

The fact he could identify what a snake was is fantastic, she said.

Experts recommend children should be taught about snake safety before they are three-years-old and begin playing outside.  

Ezra has been on his playset (pictured) in the backyard when he was bitten on the foot

Ezra has been on his playset (pictured) in the backyard when he was bitten on the foot

SNAKE SAFETY FOR CHILDREN

Wear closed-toe shoes to protect your feet and ankles.

Walk with more pronounced footsteps, or snake stomp in areas likely to have snakes such as on a bushwalk. Snakes can sense vibrations through the ground and are more likely to move away if they feel your approach.

Stay alert and keep an eye out for snakes. Remaining vigilant increases the chances of spotting a snake before it spots you.

Avoid disturbing snakes. Most snakebites occur when people provoke or threaten snakes by attempting to pick them up, throw stones, or kill them. Snakes only bite when they feel threatened, so leaving them alone is the safest approach.

Carry a first aid kit and learn how to provide first aid for a snakebite.

Source: Queensland based Wildlings Forest School which teaches about safe outdoor play for children.

Adelaide
Источник: Daily Online

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