In 20 years of venomous snake-handling, a bite is almost an inevitable occupational health and safety risk.

But, it's how those bites are managed that make the difference between life and death - and Mr Pattinson said Tamworth hospital staff and paramedics could not have done a better job.

"Obviously, all of our guys are extremely well-versed in first-aid and bandaged me up, the ambulance crew arrived quickly and got me to Tamworth hospital," he said.

"The blood tests came back and showed I had been envenomated and I spent the next six days in ICU in recovery because of complications.

"Everyone at Tamworth hospital has been absolutely fantastic and I can't sing their praises enough, everyone has been worth a million bucks."

Mr Pattinson travels to communities with WIRES to teach the safe capture and rescue techniques for dangerous reptiles. Part of his role involves teaching firefighters, National Parks staff and zookeepers.

He was in Tamworth doing routine animal welfare work when he was bitten by a tiger snake.

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In 20 years handling thousands of venomous snakes, it's the first time he's copped a venomous bite.

Mr Pattinson said with the correct immobilisation, the effects of the venom aren't felt because the flow has been slowed.

The most important thing is to bandage it correctly and resist the urge to panic, Mr Pattinson said.

"People don't die of a snake bite in Australia, they die of the mismanagement of a snake bite," he said.

"If you do the right thing you won't die. If people listen to nothing else in the whole course but the pressure and immobilisation section, you have learned a life-saving tip."

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