First aid
- Keep the patient still and as calm as possible and bring transport to them.
- Maintain vital functions.
- Immediately apply a pressure immobilisation bandage (in an emergency, clothing strips or pantyhose could be used) over the bite site at the same pressure as for a sprain without blocking circulation.
- Apply a bandage over the top of clothing to as much of the rest of the bitten limb as possible.
- Apply a splint to keep the limb still.
- Seek medical help immediately (for example, call 000).
- If the snake has been killed, bring it with the patient but do not waste time trying to kill it.
- Do not wash the wound.
- Do not use a tourniquet.
- Do not cut or suck the wound.
- Do not give alcohol or food to the patient.
Snake venoms are relatively slow acting but prior consumption of alcohol or drugs, health and age of the victim and allergies may complicate their effects.
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