How To

First Aid for a Snake bite

In the event of a snake bite or suspected snake bite:

• DO NOT wash the bitten area. Any venom retained near the bite site can assist in identifying the snake
• Do NOT cut the bitten area or try to suck venom out of the wound
• Do NOT apply a tourniquet. Blood must still be allowed to circulate with the pressure bandage
• Do NOT not try to catch or kill the snake.

Steps to Follow:

1. Monitor Lifeline - DRABC.
2. Immobilise Casualty
3. Apply a pressure bandage
4. Identify snake
5. Seek Medical help

1. Monitor Lifeline

Maintain patients airway, breathing and circulation. Be prepared to give CPR if patient loses consciousness. Follow DRABC.

2. Immobilise patient

Have the patient lie down and encourage them to remain calm. Do not allow them to move around. Ask them to lie still.

3. Apply a pressure bandage

Apply a firm pressure bandage starting just above the toes or fingers depending on the bitten area. Roll the bandage around the limb, moving up or down as far as possible. The bandage needs to be firm but do not cut off circulation to the limb.

Apply a splint to the bitten limb and secure with another bandage. Check that the fingers or toes still have blood circulating to them periodically (every 15 minutes).

4. Identify snake

Try to identify the snake without risking being bitten yourself. Ask the patient exactly what the snake looked like, including colour, markings and behaviour. Do NOT attempt to catch or kill the snake.

5. Seek medical help