Snakebite first aid can mean the difference between life and death. A snake bite from any Australian species demands immediate action, whether it’s venomous or not. The right response slows the venom and buys crucial time for professional medical help to arrive.
Australia’s unique geography means you might find yourself hours from the nearest hospital when a snake strikes. Remote workers, hikers, and anyone spending time in rural areas face this reality every day.
Australia's Venomous Snake Bites
Snakebite first aid is important because Australia hosts some of the world’s most venomous snakes. Australia is home to 20 of the 25 most venomous snakes in the world.
Snake bite affects over 10,000 Australians annually, with over one third of these resulting in envenomation. However, only 2 to 4 people die each year since the development of antivenom and proper first aid techniques. About 1 in 3 hospital visits for snake bites are from brown snake bites, making these encounters particularly common throughout Australia.
Snakebite First Aid: The Pressure-Immobilisation First Aid Bandage Technique
Snakebite first aid centres on the pressure-immobilisation technique, which slows venom through your lymphatic system, keeping it contained within the bitten limb until medical treatment arrives. The steps are:
Stop Moving
Stop all movement immediately after a snake bite. The bitten person should lie down or sit up supported and stop all movement. If you cannot lie down, find the most stable sitting position to avoid any unnecessary movement.
Call Triple Zero
Contact emergency services. Send for an ambulance for any person with a suspected snake bite, regardless of whether symptoms appear. Describe the incident as clearly as you can: state that a snake has bitten you, mention whether you saw the snake and can describe it, and report any symptoms you’re experiencing. Do not hang up unless the operator tells you to.
Apply a Pressure Bandage
Wrap an elasticised bandage (10-15cm wide) completely over the bite site as soon as possible. Then wrap a second bandage around the entire bitten limb, starting at the fingers or toes and working upward to cover as much of the limb as possible. Overlap each layer of bandaging by about half the bandage’s width. If the bite isn’t on a limb, directly apply firm pressure with the bandage instead.
A wrapped bandage needs to be firm but not so tight that it cuts off blood flow. You should not be able to easily slide a finger between the bandage and the skin. If the fingers or toes become cold, blue, or numb, loosen the bandage.
Immobilise the Limb
The bitten arm or leg needs to be held completely still. Tying something rigid alongside your bandaged limb stops the joints from bending and prevents your muscles from contracting around the bite area.
Find any straight, rigid object long enough to extend past the joints on both sides of your bite. Firmly tie it firmly along the outside of your bandaged limb to create a splint.
Stay Still and Visible
Keep still while waiting for emergency services. Keep the person immobilised (still), reassured and under constant observation. Your continued immobility remains the most critical factor in preventing venom spread during this waiting period.
Make yourself as visible as possible. If you have bright clothing or equipment, arrange it around you to create a signal for rescue teams. Use a whistle, mobile phone torch, or any other signaling device if you hear or see potential rescuers approaching.
How Remote First Aid Training Can Prepare You
Snakebite first aid gives you the best chance of survival when you encounter Australia’s venomous snakes. Your ability to remain calm during such an emergency also directly impacts your survival chances. Remote first aid training builds both the technical skills and mental preparation needed to manage life-threatening emergencies when you’re completely alone. Your preparation today determines whether a future snake encounter becomes a frightening story you survived or a tragedy that could have been prevented.
FAQs
What is the Difference Between Venom and Poison?
Venom is injected via a bite or sting, whereas poison needs to be ingested, inhaled or absorbed through the skin. Snakes deliver venom through their fangs when they bite, making them venomous rather than poisonous.
How Long After Being Bitten By A Snake Will Antivemon Work?
Antivenom must be administered as early as possible, usually within 2-6 hours of the bite in Australia for optimal effectiveness. There is a ‘golden three hours’ after a snakebite in which the administration of antivenom to systemically envenomed patients is most effective.
When Should A Pressure Bandage Be Removed?
The bandages should not be taken off until the patient has reached medical care, with the treating doctor deciding when to remove the bandages. The bandage should remain in place until removed by medical professionals, as doing so in the field can cause a rapid increase in venom absorption as the lymphatic system resumes normal flow.
