First aid for snake bites
02 Nov 2009

People are more aware of the risks of snake bites now that the weather is warmer.

The first aid information given here is a summary. More detailed information is on the on the Women's and Children's Hospital (SA) Clinical Toxinology site http://www.toxinology.com/index.cfm and in the topic 'Snake bites'.

Many Australian snakes are very poisonous (venomous). Snakes are also protected and should be left alone.

Not very many people are bitten by snakes, even though there are lots of snakes living almost everywhere in Australia. Although some Australian snakes can give fatal bites, few people die from snake bites if they get the correct first aid, and anti-venom if needed.

The information here is specifically about the Australian common brown snake. First aid management may be different for other Australian snakes and for snakes in different countries. The Toxinology website has information about many types of snakes.

• Make sure you, the person bitten, and onlookers have moved away from the snake, so there are no more bitten people!
• The bitten person should be reassured and persuaded to lie down and remain still. Many will be terrified, fearing sudden death, and they may be 'freaking out'.
• Reassure the person by letting him or her know that:
• often venom (poison) does not enter the body when a person is bitten by a snake
• the effects happen quite slowly
• modern medical treatment is effective.
• The bite wound should not be tampered with in any way.
• For Australian snakes, do not wash or clean the wound in any way, as this may interfere with venom detection once in a hospital.
• All rings or other jewellery on the bitten limb should be removed. They can become very tight if swelling develops.
• If the bite is on a limb, a broad bandage or torn strips of clothing or pantyhose should be applied over the bitten area at moderate pressure (as tight as you would do it for an ankle injury; not so tight that circulation is stopped), then extended to cover as much of the bitten limb as possible, including fingers or toes.
• If the bandage is hurting, it is too tight.
• Go over the top of clothing rather than move the limb by removing clothing.
• Once the bandage is in place, do not take it off. It should only be taken off in an emergency centre.
• The bitten limb should then be kept as still as possible using a splint or sling made of whatever is available.
• Do not give the person anything to drink.

If possible, call the emergency service in your area for advice about what to do next. Ring 000 for emergency help in Australia.

• Get the victim to the nearest place where he or she can be seen by a medically trained person as soon as possible. Do not let the bitten person walk to help. Any movement of muscles in the limb speeds up absorption of the poison. If no motor vehicle or boat is available, the patient can be carried on a stretcher, on the pillion or crossbar of a bicycle or on someone's back.
• If the person has any difficulty with breathing or heart function, cardio-pulmonary resuscitation may be needed. Start this and call for emergency help.

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