Recent media has suggested that despite 20 of the world’s most deadly 25 species of snakes call Australia home, many members of the public are unsure of the correct first aid treatment of a snake bite.
Snake bite incidents are already occurring this season and St John Ambulance (Qld) is recommending all Queenslanders familiarise themselves with the correct first aid treatment for treating snake bites.
St John (Qld) first aid expert Mark Richards said there were many myths involving first aid treatment for snake bites, and it was important for Queenslanders to know fact from fiction.
“Your first step in any situation is to follow the DRSABCD action plan (Danger, Response, Send for help, Airway, Breathing, CPR, and Defibrillation),” he said.
“Ensure the casualty is relaxed as much as possible; reassure them that everything possible is being done - this will help slow down the time it takes for the venom to go through the body. Also minimise any extraneous movement of the patient (perhaps due to their anxiety),” Mark said.
“Apply a crepe bandage over the bite site, then apply a pressure immobilisation bandage starting at the toes or fingers and bandage up the limb as far as possible. Immobilise the limb and monitor the patient.”
“Mark the site of the bite on the bandage and write down as much information as you can, such as the time of the bite, a description of the snake and when the bandage was applied.”
Common symptoms of a snake bite victim included a headache, nausea, drooping eyelids, drowsiness and problems speaking,” Mark said.
“Regardless of what type of snake bite, you should always call triple zero ‘000’ for an ambulance.”
Snake bite – the Australian statistics
- 1,500 – 3,000 cases of snake bite each year
- Approximately 300 require treatment with anti-venom
- 2-3 deaths per year
- Over the last 25 years the death rate has dramatically decreased due to improved first aid treatment, improved identification and treatment with anti-venom.
Source: www.csl.com.au
Signs and symptoms of snakebite
Signs of snakebite are not always visible and symptoms may only start to appear an hour
or more after the person has been bitten. These may include:
- Puncture marks or scratches – usually on a limb
- Nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea
- Headache
- Double or blurred vision
- Drooping eyelids
- Bleeding from the bite site
- Breathing difficulties
- Drowsiness, giddiness or fainting
- Problems speaking or swallowing, change in tone of voice
- Pain or tightness in the chest throat or abdomen
- Respiratory weakness or arrest
- Dark urine – due to blood or muscle breakdown products
- Limb paralysis
- Decrease in the level of consciousness
Management of snakebite
- Follow DRSABCD
- Rest and reassure the patient
- Apply a crepe preferred) over the bite site, followed by a pressure immobilisation bandage up the limb (starting at the fingers or the toes)
- Immobilise the bandaged limb
- Write down the time of the bite and when the bandage was applied – stay with the patient.
- Ensure the patient does not move, monitor the patient and commence CPR as required.
- Call triple zero (000) for an ambulance
Warning
- DO NOT wash venom off the skin as retained venom will assist identification
- DO NOT cut bitten area
- DO NOT try to suck venom out of wound
- DO NOT use an arterial tourniquet
- DO NOT try to catch the snake
Source: St John Ambulance Australian First Aid Manual, Fourth edition 4/2014
If you live in a location where it is likely you will encounter snakes, St John (Qld) recommends that you carry a First Aid kit with pressure immobilisation bandages to treat snake bite.
St John Ambulance (Qld) offers a range of first aid courses including Provide First Aid, Resuscitation and Workplace First Aid. For more information visit www.stjohnqld.com.au or call 1300 360 455.