Reptile Facts

1. Only one or two people are killed by snakebite/s in Australia each year, but one fatality is one to many. However it pays to know what to do in the event of a snake bite.
2. Snake venom passes through body tissues and collects in the Lymph vessels before being carried into the bloodstream. An elastic bandage wrapped firmly around a bitten limb delays the venom passing into the bloodstream. Remember that symptoms may appear suddenly once the bandage is unwrapped. This method replaces any previous methods of on the spot treatment of snakebite, or suspected snakebite.
3. Stay calm and keep others calm. Identify the snake if possible, but dont waste any time chasing it.
4. Dont wash or wipe the wound, the snake can be identified from venom traces, and this will enable the specific treatment to be administered.
5. If the snake bite is on the trunk or head, keep the victim as still as possible.
6. Take the patient to the nearest medical facility, telephoning in advance if possible. If necessary bring medical help to the patient.
7. Do not remove the elastic bandage until medical help is at hand.