Vange Missios death: community rallying around

Wednesday, May 12, started out as a normal day for Taradale man Vange, who was hard at work on a landscaping job.

But when he left the property to visit the Castlemaine tip, he expressed that he wasn't feeling well. Just moments later, he collapsed and went into cardiac arrest.

Paramedics rushed to the scene and worked on him for more than an hour and a half. Vange's heart stopped three times as paramedics worked to save him.

It was later discovered that Vange had been bitten by a snake at some point earlier in the day, but he did not know he had been bitten. The species has not yet been determined.

Vange was placed on life support but sadly passed away on May 20. He left behind his devoted partner, Anet, and young daughter Evie. Both are devastated by his sudden loss.

The family's heartbreak sparked the community to rally together and raise funds for the family, who not only lost a loving partner and father, but the breadwinner of their small family.

The campaign was created by Drummond's Claire Rawlinson, in an effort to ease financial pressures as Anet and Evie grieve the sudden loss.

"The impact of losing an entire wage is unthinkable for any family, and something no one should have to worry about after the death of a beloved dad and partner," she said.

Since being set up less than a fortnight ago, more than 110 donations have been made - raising more than $17,000 for the family.

Ms Rawlinson hopes the community can continue to dig deep, to raise about $20,000. Though she says any cent over that amount will be well-received and appreciated.

"We didn't know if we would reach the target originally so it is quite astounding. Any cent over that target will be well-received as the family still has the everyday pressures but without a key wage and while in heavy grief," she added.

The family is a pillar of the community. Anet is much-loved, having been an integral part of the growth of Taradale Primary School - which had two students when Evie first started six years ago and now has almost 100.

As a friend to many, she frequently puts her hand up to help others in the community.

"They are a country family that is really helpful and present in the community," Ms Rawlinson explained.

"I know Anet mostly from chats at the school gate and at the park after school. They're always putting in if a kid needs picking up or there is work that needs to be done at the school or someone's house - they're a really helpful family."

Ms Rawlinson said Anet's kindness extended to caring for children when parents were working.

"She is one of those people that has all the local kids over. She often looks after other people's kids if they're working. She's super helpful - she drops kids off, picks them up or has them at her house.

"Anet is as selfless as they come and even during her own difficult time still offers to lend a hand to others. Now it's our turn to give something back, I couldn't think of a more deserving family."

Evie, aged 10, said her dad was "the best dad ever" - describing him as a hard worker, a talented musician, creative thinker and a "loving, great mate and legend".

She added that he would eat Brussel sprouts, loved Bunnings and was great at fixing things.

From the tragedy, Anet hopes to encourage others to get bumps or scratches obtained outside checked.

There are estimated to be several thousand snake bites across Australia each year, though deaths are extremely rare.

Ballarat-based herpetologist and snake catcher, Jules Farquhar, said it was common for people to think they had been scratched by a branch or stick when they had in fact bitten by a snake.

He said the incident was a tragic reminder to be cautious and to remain vigilant outdoors year-round. He said the most common species in that area of the state were lowlands copperheads, eastern brown snakes and tiger snakes - all which have a highly neurotoxic venom which affects the central nervous system and causes the organs to rapidly shut down.

"Even if you think you have just been scratched - whether on a sunny day or in winter - near your ankle or somewhere else where a snake could potentially bite you, be overly cautious and wrap it in a bandage and seek medical attention."

Paramedics urge all Victorians to be on the lookout for snakes when outdoors and to know what to do if someone is bitten.

If a bite is felt, even if not completely certain, it is better to take action.

The person bitten should be kept as calm and as still as possible as any muscle activity, including walking, can increase the spread of venom through the body.

A bandage should be wrapped tightly around the affected area - bandage from the bottom of the limb working upwards as high as possible. The pressure immobilisation bandage will help to slow the spread of any venom.

Puncture marks should not be washed and venom should not be sucked out of the wound as leaving it can help to identify what kind of snake was involved and the best medical treatment required.

Always seek medical advice as quickly as possible.

To reduce the likelihood of a snake bite, Mr Farquhar said, wearing pants and boots when doing outdoor activities is advised. This is because Australian snakes generally have small fangs and would be unable to bite through the fabric.

He added that adding a good bandage to the first aid kit was also a beneficial investment.

Ms Rawlinson asked the community to support Anet and Evie - a family that has always been there for others - now in their time of need.