FIRST AID for Elapid Snakebite

Signs and Symptoms of Elapid Snake Bite:

 Local Symptoms:

  • Pain: Immediate or delayed intense pain at the site of the bite.

  • Swelling: Swelling and redness may occur rapidly.

  • Bleeding: Fang marks may be visible, and bleeding may occur.

Systemic Symptoms:

  • Nausea and vomiting: Some individuals may experience nausea and vomiting.

  • Difficulty breathing: Respiratory distress or difficulty breathing may occur.

  • Dizziness or fainting: The venom may affect the cardiovascular system, leading to dizziness or fainting.

  • Weakness or paralysis: Severe envenomation may lead to muscle weakness or paralysis.

  • Headache

  • Double or blurred vision

  • Drooping eyelids

  • Difficulty in speaking or swallowing

Pressure, Immobilisation Technique

Stay Calm: Encourage the victim to stay calm.

Call for Help: Dial 000 emergency services immediately. Seek professional medical assistance.

Position the Victim: Keep the victim in a lying down position and reassure the victim.

For bites on a limb

  1. Apply an elasticised Pressure bandage: Beginning with 2-3 wraps around the bite site, proceed to wrap around the entire limb as soon as possible. Keep the bandage tight enough to restrict lymphatic flow but avoid cutting off blood circulation. You should be unable to easily slide a finger between the bandage and skin. Blood flow can be checked by gently squeezing a fingertip and ensuring colouration returns.

  2. Keep the Bite Site Immobilized: Immobilize the affected limb as much as possible to slow the spread of venom. A splint or triangular bandage can be used to do this effectively.

  3. Mark the time of bite and the bite site.

  4. Stay with the patient until medical aid arrives.

    For bites on the head/torso

    Use a flat object (such as a 50c coin or the base of a water bottle) to apply Pressure directly top the bite site.

This information is not a substitute for First Aid training. Formal instructions in resuscitation is essential. Australian Wildlife Encounters is not liable for any damages or incidents that may occur in the use of this information by other parties or individuals.