Snake Bite First Aid

If you, or someone you know has been bitten by a snake, it is important to follow these steps.

1. DO NOT wash the bite area! Do not attempt to cut or suck the venom out of the bite area. The hospital staff will swab the bite area to determine what type of anti-venom is required.
2. Rest and reassure the casualty. Get them to sit or lie down in a comfortable position. This will slow the spread of venom through the casualty’s body.
3. Call 000 and request an ambulance.
4. Bandage firmly over the bite area to the end of the arm or leg, then back up over the bite area and up to the groin or armpit. Bandage as firmly as you would for a sprained ankle. This will slow the spread of venom through the casualty’s body.
5. If the bite is on the body, head or neck, bandage firmly over the wound and immobilise the casualty.
6. Mark where the bite is on the top of the bandage, so doctors can find it easily.
7. Monitor the casualty until medical help arrives.
8. Do Not remove the bandage. Only a doctor or Nurse should do this.

Bandage firmly over the bite area to the end of the arm or leg