FIRST AID
If you are unlucky enough to be bitten, here is what you should and should not do. Assume all snakes
are venomous and take the following action:
• Do not panic. Try to remain calm, lie down
and immobilise the bitten area. It is unlikely
that the bite will be life-threatening.
• Apply a bandage but do not block
circulation. Take a broad bandage and
bind along the limb starting at the bite
area, at the same pressure as for a sprain.
Then bandage down the limb and continue
back up the entire limb over and above
the bite area. This will help prevent the
spread of the venom through the body.
Do not remove the bandage. It is often
easier to go over the top of clothing such
as jeans rather than remove clothing. In an
emergency, strips of clothing or pantyhose
can be used instead of a bandage.
• Immobilise the limb with a splint. Lie down
and keep the limb completely still until help
arrives. Do not elevate the limb or attempt
to walk or run. Movement will encourage
the spread of the venom through the body.
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• Do not attempt to catch the snake. All too
often, the snake will bite again if an attempt
is made to catch it. Identification of the snake
species can be obtained through samples
of the patient's blood or urine, and from
venom around the bite area. If the species
of snake still remains uncertain, a poly-
antivenene may be used, which is suitable
for treatment of all venomous snake bites.
• Do not wash the wound. Venom left on the
skin will help doctors identify the snake and
administer the appropriate antivenene.
• Do not cut the wound. This will spread
the venom into the bloodstream
and can cause more serious injuries
than the snake bite itself.
• Seek medical help. An antivenene
may be required.