Snakes
Australian snakes are amongst the most venomous in the world. Snake bites in Australia from land or sea snakes can be potentially fatal and you should seek immediate medical assistance for all snake bites. While not all snakes are venomous, it is difficult to reliably identify a snake; hence all snake bites should be treated as being potentially dangerous.
If the person collapses or stops breathing, start resuscitation.
If snake bite occurs, keep in mind the following DOs & DON'Ts:
DO:
- Remove them from further danger
- Keep them still
- Apply a pressure-immobilisation bandage
DON'T:
- Panic or run
- Attempt to catch the snake
- Apply a tight tourniquet
- Wash, suck or cut the bite site
First Aid for snake bite
- Call 000
- If the person collapses or stops breathing, start resuscitation.
- Keep the person who has been bitten as still as possible. If possible, lie the patient down to prevent walking or moving around.
- Apply a pressure immobilisation bandage (preferably use a wide elasticised bandage if available)
- Keep still await the arrival of the ambulance for transport to the nearest hospital.