Snake Bites
A
Figs. 1-5: Bandage over the bite and wind the
ustralia is home to the Fig. 1
bandage up the limb towards the trunk, keep-
most dangerous snakes in the ing firm pressure. Bind a splint firmly to as
world, so taking a few precau- much of the leg as possible.
tions makes sense, especially in the For bites on the hand or forearm follow the
bush. Not all snake bites are poiso- same procedure, binding towards the elbow.
nous, but it is safer to treat any bite as Use splint and also a sling.
potentially dangerous.
Preventing snake bite If the victim is unconscious and
breathing, place in the coma position
• Many snake bites in Australia are at (lying on the side so the tongue does
the ankle or below. So, wear not block the air passage, and vomit or
Fig. 2 other secretions drain away). Seek
footwear, preferably ankle length,
and thick socks and/or long trousers, urgent medical attention. If not
breathing, use resuscitation tech-
• If collecting wood, wear gloves, niques.*
• Never put your hand under any-
thing (wood, rocks, etc.), without Applying a pressure bandage
turning it over with your foot first, The venom of a snake bite works
towards the trunk of the body through
• If a log is in your path, step on to it, small lymph vessels which are just
not straight over it, under the skin. These vessels are easi-
• Use a torch at night if walking in the ly compressed with a pressure ban-
bush, Fig. 3
dage, which slows the movement of the
poison. Together with immobilisation
• Avoid long grass. by a splint, venom movement can be
delayed for long periods.
Torn up clothing or towels (panty
Symptoms
hose is satisfactory) can be used to
make a bandage, and a rolled up news-
• There may be no symtoms at first,
paper a splint. Bandage straight over
but with time, depending on the
the bite and wind the bandage up the
type of snake, some of the following
limb towards the trunk, keeping a firm
may occur: nausea, vomiting, sweat-
pressure. See illustrations.
ing, abdominal pain, headache, diar-
rhoea, drowsiness, pains in the
chest, double vision. Fig. 4 What not to do
•DO NOT try to chase or catch the
snake.
What to do if you or someone else is bit-
ten by a snake •DO NOT wash the bitten area to
remove any venom as the hospital
• Do not panic. laboratory might need to take a
swab to identify the snake.
• Apply a pressure bandage immedi-
ately; it should be as tight as you •DO NOT bleed the site of the bite, a
would apply to a sprained ankle. common practice in the past, but of
no use.
• Immobilise the limb with a splint.
Fig. 5 •DO NOT use a tourniquet or apply a
• Do not elevate the limb.
bandage so tightly it cuts off blood
• Keep the victim still, as physical flow.
activity spreads the venom more
* To learn how to use mouth to mouth
quickly. If walking is necessary,
resuscitation or CPR (cardio pul-
walk as slowly as possible.
monary resuscitation) techniques cor-
• Try to get medical help immediately rectly, contact St John Ambulance
(at least within eight hours). Service.
• If possible, try to get an accurate
description of the snake.
Reproduced with permission of SK Sutherland,
Australian Venom Research Unit