Recent heavy rains and the end of drought conditions have led to an increase in snake sightings and snakebites. It is very important that people learn the correct way to apply first aid for snakebite. Prompt treatment really can be the difference between a life saved and a life lost. Craig Adams, Director, SSSAFE, Snake and Spider Safety Awareness for Employees.
Article by Stuart Cumming | Toowoomba Chronicle
4th November 2010
A 61-YEAR-OLD woman has died five days after being bitten multiple times by a brown snake at her property near Nobby. Mount Sibley Road resident Robin Sheehan died in Toowoomba Hospital on Tuesday night. Toowoomba police shift supervisor Sergeant Greg Wheeler said Mrs Sheehan had been taken by ambulance to Toowoomba Hospital about 4.30pm on Thursday last week with multiple bites from a brown snake.
Police said an autopsy would now be conducted to confirm the cause of the retired veterinarian's death.
Neighbour Belinda Dahl said she was shocked to hear of the tragedy.
“It's a terrible thing,” Mrs Dahl said. “She was a lovely lady.”
Mrs Dahl said she understood Mrs Sheehan had been in a coma on life support while in Toowoomba Hospital.
“She and her husband Morris have always been very kind to us.”
Mrs Dahl said the snake bite had disturbed her family.
“My 16-year-old daughter usually goes running around here, but since the bite she has stopped.
“All my three children have seen snakes around the house.”
The Sheehans lived on a property near Inglewood before moving to their current home about three years ago.
Garry McDougall, owner of Inglewood rural produce store McDougall's, said he had known Mr and Mrs Sheehan for more than 30 years. “It is tragic because I was only talking to them last week .