Man dies after being bitten by snake at child care center

Jerromy Brookes died on Tuesday after being bitten multiple times by a suspected brown snake.

An Australian man tragically lost his life after being bitten by a highly venomous snake while attempting to remove the serpent from a childcare center to ensure the safety of the children, local media and emergency services reported Wednesday.

Paramedics from Queensland responded to the call on Tuesday afternoon and found the man in critical condition. The victim, identified as 47-year-old Jerromy Brookes, was believed to have been bitten by a brown snake, one of the world's deadliest species.

Despite efforts to save him, Brookes succumbed to the snakebite after being transported to Townsville hospital, according to a spokesperson for Queensland Ambulance Service.

Brookes, who did not possess a permit to handle or remove snakes, was trying to remove the serpent from a childcare center where his wife and their two daughters worked in early childhood education.

"He was doing his very best to keep the children safe," said Michelle O'Connor, the family's employer.

Australia eastern brown snake -- which has enough venom to kill 20 adults with a single bite

Snakebite fatalities are uncommon in Australia, with only a few fatal attacks reported each year. Approximately 200 people are hospitalized annually due to encounters with brown snakes, according to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare.

Christina Zdenek from the Australian Reptile Academy highlighted the efficacy of antivenom in Australia for treating snake bites. She advised staying calm and still while tightly wrapping the affected limb with a stretchy bandage in the event of a snakebite. Zdenek also cautioned against attempting to kill snakes.

Jerromy Brookes did not have a permit to handle or remove snakes.

Eastern brown snakes, known for their speed, aggression, and bad temperament, are prevalent in eastern Australia and certain parts of New Guinea. They are resilient, highly toxic, and can thrive in various environments, including urban areas.

In recent incidents, an eastern brown snake was discovered in a 3-year-old boy's underwear drawer, safely removed by a professional snake wrangler. Additionally, in 2022, an Australian woman found a brown snake concealed in her antique radiogram cabinet.