First aid (Snake bites)
Do you know what to do if you encounter a snake while you are out and about? If not, check out our mates at Reptile Awareness Displays of Australia (RADOA) website. There are lots of helpful hints to guide you through. For more information click to read our blog post on snake bite first aid
What to do if you or someone around you is bitten by a snake:
The Pressure Immobilisation Technique detailed below can greatly buy you time until you can reach a hospital or a medical team can reach you.
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.
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.
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.
-Monitor pulse and breathing and if either cease, apply mouth to mouth or CPR until medical attention arrives.
Please note that, while pressure-immobilisation works for snake bites, it is not the case for all other bites, so the best thing to do is undertake a first aid course to learn the exact first aid methods for all scenarios.
SNAKE BITE KITS - One other important thing to carry with you in the car and on all bushwalks is a snake bite first aid pack, these can be purchased via the RADOA website.
What to do if you or someone around you is bitten by a snake:
- Keep the patient as still as possible
- Do not wash the bite site
- Do not give food or drink
- Do not cut or suck the bite
- If you do not have a snake bite kit, use a crepe bandage or even clothing or towels torn into strips.
- Do not apply or use a tourniquet
The Pressure Immobilisation Technique detailed below can greatly buy you time until you can reach a hospital or a medical team can reach you.
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.
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.
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.
-Monitor pulse and breathing and if either cease, apply mouth to mouth or CPR until medical attention arrives.
Please note that, while pressure-immobilisation works for snake bites, it is not the case for all other bites, so the best thing to do is undertake a first aid course to learn the exact first aid methods for all scenarios.
SNAKE BITE KITS - One other important thing to carry with you in the car and on all bushwalks is a snake bite first aid pack, these can be purchased via the RADOA website.