


St John Ambulance Australia's first aid fact sheet includes information on pressure immobilisation bandages. If possible, mark the site of the bite on the bandage with a pen. Keep the person and the limb completely at rest.Splint the limb including joints on either side of the bite.

Start just above the fingers or toes of the bitten limb and move upwards on the limb as far as the body. Next, use a heavy crepe or elasticised roller bandage to immobilise the whole limb.It should be tight and you should not be able to easily slide a finger between the bandage and the skin. First, put a pressure bandage over the bite itself.You should firmly bandage the area of the body involved - such as an arm or leg - and keep the person calm and still until medical help arrives.įollow these steps to apply a pressure immobilisation bandage: Pressure immobilisation bandageĪ pressure immobilisation bandage is recommended for anyone bitten by a venomous snake. The Australian Red Cross also has a handy infographic on how to treat them. St John Ambulance Australia has a quick guide to the first aid management of snake bites. If you can’t use a pressure immobilisation bandage because the bite is on the trunk or stomach, apply constant, firm pressure.ĭo not apply a tourniquet, cut the wound or attempt to suck the venom (poison) out. Don’t wash the bite area - venom left on the skin can help identify the snake.Apply a pressure immobilisation bandage (see below).Call triple zero (000) and ask for an ambulance.Ensure they rest and help them to stay calm.You should always provide emergency care if you or someone else is bitten by a snake - including cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), if required. How do I provide first aid for snake bites? Learn more about first aid treatment for severe allergic reactions in the ‘anaphylaxis’ section below. It’s also important to be aware that bites from snakes can cause a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) in some people. This article explains what to do - including providing the proper first aid treatment - if you are bitten by a snake. Knowing whether a snake bite is dangerous or not can be difficult. Related information on Australian websites.Is antivenom available for all types of snake bite?.How can I make sure the snake is identified?.What different types of snake bite are there?.How do I provide first aid for snake bites?.If you are bitten by a snake, call triple zero (000) for an ambulance. All snake bites must be treated as potentially life-threatening.
