TO AVOID SNAKEBITE, USE COMMON SENSE

• Always wear sensible clothing in areas where snakes may be living – sturdy boots, thick socks and jeans are usually adequate. Never wear sandals or thongs.
• Never reach into or under hollows, logs or thick grass without looking first.
• Snakes cannot hear sounds as we can, but can detect vibration through the ground. Hence, they usually move away before you see them.
• If you see a snake leave it alone. Maintain a watch on its movements from a safe distance. Remain in an open area while observing its movements and keep other people away.

FIRST AID FOR SNAKEBITE

Most bites occur on the feet, lower legs, hands and forearms. In the event of a bite from a venomous snake:

• Immediately bind a broad elastic bandage firmly around the limb, starting on the bitten area. This should be tied as firmly as you would bind a sprained ankle and you should bind as much of the limb as possible. An elastic crepe bandage is ideal, but any flexible material can be used, for example, clothing torn into strips.
• Keep the limb as still as possible by binding it to a splint. This could be any available, straight piece of wood.
• Take transport to the patient wherever possible, keeping the patient’s movement to a minimum.
• Keep the patient quiet and reassured; nothing will speed the spread of venom through the body (envenomation) more rapidly than continued movement and excessive anxiety.
• Assure them that help is on the way and watch closely for any symptoms and note how long after the bite they occur. These observations will help the doctor determine the severity and rate of envenomation.
• Leave the bandage and splint on until you reach medical care. Only allow a doctor to remove the bandage.

IT IS IMPORTANT

• Not to cut or excise the bitten area. It does not help and can result in serious wounds,
• Not to apply an arterial tourniquet (a tie restricting blood flow),
• Not to wash the bitten area. This is of little value as the snake may be identified using the venom on the skin,
• Not to give any alcohol or drugs, which might suppress respiration.

Antivenom is only given when signs of envenomation become apparent and should only ever be administered by a qualified physician.

For a more detailed pdf information sheet click here.