Snake Bite First Aid
Snake Bite First Aid
A Apply bandage to the entire limb immediately.
Firmly bandage (with an elastic or crepe bandage) starting from the toes or fingers then continuing up the limb covering as much of the limb as possible.
Do not apply any tighter than you would for a sprained wrist.
Firmly bandage (with an elastic or crepe bandage) starting from the toes or fingers then continuing up the limb covering as much of the limb as possible.
Do not apply any tighter than you would for a sprained wrist.
B After the limb is compressed, apply a splint.
Immobilise the bitten limb with a splint, eg: a rolled up magazine, a stick from the ground anything that will help prevent muscle movement.
Immobilise the bitten limb with a splint, eg: a rolled up magazine, a stick from the ground anything that will help prevent muscle movement.
C Keep the patient still and calm.
Movement will increase venom flow. Calm reassurance should always be a main ingredient in any first aid situation.
Seek medical attention immediately.
Movement will increase venom flow. Calm reassurance should always be a main ingredient in any first aid situation.
Seek medical attention immediately.
D Monitor pulse and breathing.
Monitor pulse and breathing and if either cease, apply mouth to mouth or CPR until medical attention arrives.
Monitor pulse and breathing and if either cease, apply mouth to mouth or CPR until medical attention arrives.
Let the Medical help come to you. With the correct treatment in place, the secret of success is to stay as still as possible. There are documented cases of up to 24 hours post-bite where patients have survived simply by following these guidelines.
Pressure-Immobilisation Technique
The pressure-immobilisation first aid technique was developed in the 1970's by Professor Struan Sutherland. Its purpose is to retard the movement of venom from the bite site into circulation, thus "buying time" for the patient to reach medical care. Research with snake venom has shown that very little venom reaches the blood stream if firm pressure is applied over the bitten area and the limb is immobilised. Pressure-immobilisation was initially developed to treat snakebite, but it is also applicable to bites and stings by some other venomous creatures. It is currently recommended for most life threatening venomous bites and stings in Australia.
Pressure-immobilisation is recommended for:
- All species of Australian snakes, including sea snakes
- Funnel-web spiders
- Blue-ringed octopus
- Cone shell stings
DO NOT use pressure-immobilisation first aid for:
- Spider bites other than from a funnel web spider
- Jellyfish stings
- Stonefish and other fish stings
- Bees and wasps
- Bites by scorpions, centipedes, beetles
Important:
- Do not wash the bite site
- Do not give food or drink
- Do not cut or suck the bite
- Do not apply or use a tourniquet
A forearm snakebite bandaged
