A three-year-old girl bitten on the leg at Dubbo on November 15 was one of the eight incidents local paramedics responded to in the period.

With 16 cases across the Orana region in 2017, up by five on the 2016 total, NSW Ambulance is reminding people to be mindful in the warmer weather.

The number of paramedic responses to suspected bites across the entire state also slithered up in 2017 to 252, compared with 204 in 2016, NSW Ambulance confirmed.

On November 15 paramedics also responded to a 58-year-old man with a suspected bite at Lightning Ridge.

The next day there was a 25-year-old woman bitten on the foot at Curban and a 12-year-old girl was bitten on the foot in Weilmoringle.

Paramedics responded to a 62-year-old with a suspected snake bite at Menindee on December 8.

A 21-year-old woman was bitten on the leg in Dunedoo on December 13, a 17-year-old boy was bitten at Carinda on December 17 and a 17-year-old girl was bitten on the foot at Bourke on December 18.

All patients were transported to hospital except for the man at Lightning Ridge, NSW Ambulance reported.

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NSW Ambulance Inspector Jamie Peetz, based at Broken Hill, reminded people the warmer weather would lead to an increase in snake activity as the reptiles were on the move, looking for food and a mate after their winter hibernation.

Around the home people should remove piled up debris from the yard and keep lawns mowed to reduce the potential for unwanted visitors, he said.

Checking items of clothing that had been left outside before wearing them was wise, he said.

“We attend many cases where people have put on boots and gloves and been bitten by snakes and spiders hidden inside.

“If you lift something such as a rock or log, lift it with it facing away from you.”

In the event of a snake or spider bite, people should call Triple Zero (000) and ask for an ambulance.

“It is not uncommon that people we assess aren’t sure whether they have in fact been bitten or not. 

“If unsure, it’s always better to call Triple Zero (000) for assistance to be on the safe side.

“Parents should be particularly vigilant of children playing in the yard.”

·         If the bite is on a limb, apply a pressure immobilisation bandage. The bandage should not cut off circulation.

·         If the bite is not on a limb, apply direct, firm pressure to the bite site with your hands.

·         Keep the patient still and discourage them from walking around.

·         Never cut or excise the wound. Do not attempt to suck out the venom and don’t apply a tourniquet.

To have a snake safely removed from a property call your local wildlife care organisation, a licensed pest control operator or your local National Parks and Wildlife Service Office.

Alternatively, if you need assistance or advice on snakes and other reptiles, contact NSW Wildlife Information, Rescue and Education Service (WIRES) on 1300 094 737.

WIRES advises snakes are generally placid creatures and if left alone will invariably disappear of their own accord. People are advised to never approach a snake as many people are bitten either trying to catch or get rid of a snake.