Deadly snake bites expert at safari park (From Worcester News)

King Cobra bites Mark O'Shea at West Midland Safari Park

8:18am Monday 20th August 2012 in News By James Connell

WILDLIFE personality Mark O'Shea was flown to hospital after being bitten by a deadly King Cobra at a Worcestershire safari park.

Ambulance crews received a call from West Midland Safari Park in Bewdley after Mr O'Shea, an expert at the park, was bitten by the snake shortly after 4pm on Sunday.

A doctor, an ambulance crew, a responder paramedic and the Midlands Air Ambulance from Strensham were called.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “When crews and the doctor arrived, they found one of the parks’ snake handlers being cared for by their on-site first aiders.

"They had already immobilised the leg, administered excellent first aid and had anti-venom ready to administer if needed.

“The man in his 50s had reportedly been bitten on the leg by a King Cobra. The doctor assessed the man and found he was stable and suffering no serious effects from the bite.

“Due to the fact the venom can be lethal if it enters the bloodstream; the man was airlifted to Worcester Royal Hospital as a precaution.

"Medics at the hospital were pre alerted to the arrival of the man who was said to be in a stable condition.”