Mervyn carried his friend Latrell Vale to help after he was bitten three times by a venomous brown snake.

The deadly snake struck Latrell while the pair were playing golf in a field near their school.

“We were slugging golf balls over in the big paddock,” Mervyn said.

Knowing well that a brown bite could be fatal, Mervyn acted quickly by rushing the year-one student to safety.

“I took him to his dad and my uncle… then he went to hospital,” Mervyn said.

Latrell said he was very proud of Mervyn and that he kept him calm through the ordeal. 

“I saw the snake but I didn’t see it bite me,” he said.

Minimbah School has given Mervyn a bravery award for his actions, Principal Jennifer Brown said.

“We’re all very proud of Mervyn,” Ms Brown said.

“He got a special hero award at school for saving his friend’s life.

“We’re all very proud of Latrell for being so brave and not panicking.

“Mervyn kept him very calm, he is my new hero.”

Brown snakes account for more fatalities than any other snake in Australia and, if the venom is injected, can take only a few hours for the victim to die.

NSW St John Ambulance assistant commissioner and first aid trainer, Josh Clark said this incident was a good reminder about the importance of having a first aid kit handy and knowing how to use it.

“Having first aid skills and a first aid kit available in these situations gives you the skills and tools to ensure the person injured has the best chance of survival until medical help arrives,” Mr Clark said.

“There are many myths surrounding the management of a snake bite.

“Everyone should make sure they know exactly what to do, especially as we head into the warmer summer months when snake bite incidences spike.”

For information on how to deal with snake bites visit www.stjohnnsw.com.au.