Snake Australia

Snakebite: What to do?

When a bite is on an arm or leg:

• Stay calm. If you are with a victim, reassure them and keep them calm
• Keep the limb as still as possible
• Apply a broad pressure bandage over the site as quickly as possible, extending the bandage over the entire limb if possible, as tightly as if for a sprain
• Immobilise the limb with a splint made of any rigid material
  Arrange transport to hospital.
• If the bite is not on a limb, apply firm pressure to the site of the bite if possible and arrange transport to medical treatment as quickly as possible.
• DO NOT cut, wash or suck the bite and DO NOT apply a tourniquet to affected limbs!