How to survive a Snake Bite – First Aid tips from the experts
Even the word ‘snake’ is enough to strike fear into the hearts of many Australians – especially at this time of year as the heat makes snakes more active. However, this is often an irrational fear as more often than not snakes will try and get as far away from you as possible. It’s only when a snake feels cornered or threatened that the risk of a bite becomes great.
How to survive a snake bite.
In the event that someone is bitten by a snake, the immediate actions after a bite are crucial. Its also really important to have a snake bite bandage or compression bandage to treat the bite correctly.
ABOVE ALL – TRY TO STAY CALM
In the event of a venomous snake bite, having a panic attack and adrenaline spike causes your heart rate to quicken and increases the chance of you moving around, this wont help you survive a snake bite.
If you move around then the lymphatic system is generated in some cases by movement, therefore allowing the venom to travel quicker around your system. So don’t move around much, we still recommend getting away from the snake as this poses more danger staying close to the bite zone. Ideally you should lay flat and try to relax as much as possible.
The following critical steps should be taken immediately after a bite:
1. GET FLAT TO SURVIVE A SNAKE BITE
Buy doing this, you will allow the body to relax and this will slow the venom from moving around the body.
2. CALL AN AMBULANCE
No matter if the snake was venomous or not, the first action should always be to call 000 following a snake bite.
3. KEEP STILL
Keep the patient calm and still. Do not elevate the bitten area of the patient.
4. APPLY A COMPRESSION BANDAGE FROM THE BITE SITE UP THE LIMB
Place a bandage or dressing over the wound site and apply firm pressure as you start to wrap the area. Always wrap a limb from the fingers or toes upwards and above the bite area. Check this great Snake Bite first aid kit that comes with an indicator bandage that shows the right pressure to apply to the snake bite.
5. IMMOBILISE THE LIMB
If a limb has been bitten, immobilise the area with a splint (for a leg) or a sling (for an arm). Keep the pressured bandages in place until paramedics arrive.
For tips on how to handle a snakebite view our instructional video lead by FAAE’s own director and facilitator Scott Whimpey:
POINTS TO NOTE TO SURVIVE A SNAKE BITE:
- DO NOT chase the snake to identify it as there are a range of broad antivenoms available that can be used to treat a bite and chasing an angry snake may result in a second bite – which is no help to anyone!
- If there is any venom on the outside of the patient’s skin, near the bite mark, DO NOT wipe it away. This venom could be used to correctly and safely identify the snake.
- If you are in a remote location, do not move and try to get closer to a township. In several cases, farmers have been bitten on their properties and tried to walk towards help. This moves the venom around faster and could be fatal. Phoning emergency services from your current position is always the best option – a medical chopper will get to your location a lot quicker.
- If you do come across a snake, do not startle it by yelling or jumping around. Remaining still until the snake continues on its way is the best bet – remember, snakes are more afraid of you than you are of them!
- Always treat a snake bite as a worst case scenario i.e. a venomous snake. Although venomous snakes are able to deliver ‘dry bites’ (a bite without venom injected) it’s always better to be cautious and let the paramedics check you out thoroughly.
Living in Australia, we get used to sharing our environment with all manner of deadly creepy crawlies, and treating them with respect is the way to go. Don’t let it ruin your summer – get out there and enjoy the great outdoors!
DRY BITE:
Did you know over 90% of snake bites are a dry bite!
If someone is bitten by a snake, you won’t know if it’s a dry bite or a venomous bite – so to be safe, always treat any bite as a venomous bite and call 000. Ensure to do the best you can to apply pressure to the site and read on for more information.
What is a dry bite, I hear you ask?
A Dry bite is when the snake strikes but does not release venom into its victim, this is like a warning shot from the snake. If the bite is venomous, other symptoms may include excess salivation, like when a dog bites a Cane Toad, a stinging or burning sensation on the skin and feelings of nausea or dizziness. In severe cases, the bite may result in paralysis or coma.
How does snake venom get around your body.
Snake venom is carried in the lymphatic system and not in the blood stream, as many mistakenly believe. That’s why the main aim of snake bite first aid is to reduce lymphatic flow by applying a compression bandage over the affected limb. This is known as the Pressure Immobilisation Technique (PIT).
If you would like more basic training on snake bites, check out our first aid courses that cover how to survive a snake bite.
