What to do for a snake bite….

Written By kelly khoshbakht

Know what to do for a snake bite and where to go to get the correct first aid information.

For a great resource you can download the Australian bites and stings app, its free, you can use anytime on your phone/device for detailed instructions, especially useful if you are out in the bush and need to apply first aid ASAP.

First aid for a snake bite :

PIT Pressure immobilisation technique:

  • Call 000 immediately and don’t let the person walk around, keep them calm and still

  • Do not, suck or wipe clean the bite site, by not washing it may assist in snake identification, place wound dressing on the bite site

  • Do not apply a tourniquet, the venom initially travels through the lymph system, not the blood stream, so tourniquet wont help

  • Bandage the whole limb marking the bite site, wrap up the limb, wrap to the very top of the limb, try to get the compression all the way to the groin or armpit, apply firm pressure on the bandage, leaving their toes or fingers exposed to monitor circulation, check circulation at regular intervals

  • Keep the body and limb as still as possible, do not elevate limb

  • Immobilise the limb , if accessible apply a split to the limb, after applying the pressure bandage immobilise the limb by binding a split to it (e.g a piece of timber, other leg etc.)

  • If the bite is on a forearm put the splinted forearm in a sling

  • You can bandage over clothes if necessary

  • Leave the bandage in place until medical help arrives and check circulation at regular intervals

    CASUALTY MUST STAY CALM, KEEP LIMB STILL AND WAIT FOR EVACUATION.
kelly khoshbakht https://www.firstaidready.com.au
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Health direct has expert health advice, you can use the symptom checker to get more info on bites and stings….
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