On Tuesday, March 19, 2024, 47-year-old Jerromy Brookes succumbed to the venom of an Eastern Brown Snake in Queensland, Australia. He was bitten multiple times on his left arm by the snake, which is recognized as the world’s second most venomous species by the Billabong Sanctuary Townsville.
Brookes was called by a family member to assist with a snake at a local childcare center. Despite lacking professional training in snake handling, Brookes attempted to capture the reptile. He was bitten three times during the process but managed to bag the snake and drive to his home in Deeragun, Townsville to inform his spouse about the incident.
Upon his arrival, his wife immediately began administering first aid, including CPR, as Brookes lost consciousness. Paula Marten, Queensland’s acting director of the Townsville district, underscored the necessity of remaining calm and applying basic first aid in such circumstances. Despite these efforts, Brookes suffered a cardiac arrest before paramedics, summoned around 3 p.m., could arrive at his home.
Brookes was transported to Townsville University Hospital in critical condition and was pronounced dead later that night. This is the first reported fatality from a snake bite in Australia in 2024. The Queensland Ambulance reported six snake bite incidents in the region within the previous 48 hours, coinciding with Brookes’ incident.
The venom of the Eastern Brown Snake is potent enough to cause death within minutes by disrupting blood clotting, damaging blood vessels, raising blood pressure, and potentially causing collapse.
Timothy Jackson, an evolutionary toxicologist at the Melbourne University Australian Venom Research Unit, emphasized that a bite victim could experience cardiovascular collapse within 30 minutes of the bite. His advice is to remain still, apply first aid, and strive to maintain a low heart rate, especially in remote areas.
Snake experts strongly advise only interacting with snakes if one is certified and properly trained to handle them. Ben Avery, a professional snake catcher, suggests refraining from meddling with Eastern Brown Snakes and immediately contacting a snake catcher. The neurotoxic venom of these snakes can affect muscles, the heart, and other organs, warns Avery.
A study from the University of Melbourne found that brown snakes were responsible for 23 of the 35 fatalities from snake bites in Australia from 2000 to 2016. The study also noted that snake bite victims in Australia are typically male, and bites occur more frequently during warmer seasons.
The Eastern Brown Snake, known for its medium size, relatively slim body, and modestly sized head, is primarily found in woodlands, scrublands, and savannah grasslands in eastern and southeastern Australia.
These snakes are typically more active during the spring and fall seasons.
The local community mourns the loss of a father who tragically died in an attempt to safeguard young children.
