The Split-Second Decision That Could Save Your Life
Picture this: You’re hiking through the Australian bush when suddenly, you hear the distinctive sound of rustling leaves. Every year, approximately 3,000 Australians are bitten by snakes, with only 1-2 deaths annually due to proper first aid and medical intervention. But in that critical moment when a snake strikes, knowing the correct first aid for snake bite procedures could mean the difference between life and death.
Australia is home to 10 of the world’s most venomous snakes, yet deaths remain remarkably low at 4-6 per year thanks to quality antivenom and proper first aid knowledge. Every Australian—whether you live in the heart of Sydney or the remote Outback—needs to understand these life-saving techniques.
Why Snake Bite First Aid Knowledge Is Critical in Australia
The Australian Snake Reality Check
We share our continent with about 170 species of land snakes, some equipped with venom more toxic than any other snakes in the world. The most dangerous include:
- Eastern Brown Snake: Responsible for about 60% of snakebite deaths in Australia
- Inland Taipan: Has the deadliest venom with an LD50 of only 0.025 mg per kg
- Coastal Taipan: Equipped with the longest fangs of any Australian snake (13mm)
- Tiger Snake
- Death Adder
The greatest threat to life and cause of over half of deaths is early cardiovascular collapse, which can occur within 10 to 60 minutes of a bite with envenomation.
Recognising Snake Bite Symptoms: Know the Warning Signs
Immediate Signs to Watch For
The bite may be painless and without visible marks. Snake bite symptoms can include:
Local symptoms:
- Paired fang marks (though often only a single mark or scratch is visible)
- Localised redness and bruising are uncommon in Australian snake bite
- Swelling around the bite area
Systemic symptoms:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Sweating
- Difficulty breathing
- Muscle weakness
- Paralysis
- Collapse
Critical warning: Some individuals may experience an allergic reaction known as anaphylaxis, which can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention.
First Aid for Snake Bite: The Life-Saving Steps
Step 1: Call for Emergency Help Immediately
Send for an ambulance for any person with a suspected snake bite. Call 000 immediately – this is not negotiable, even if symptoms aren’t apparent.
Step 2: Keep the Person Still and Calm
Keep the person immobilised (still), reassured and under constant observation. Movement accelerates venom circulation through the lymphatic system.
Step 3: Apply Pressure Immobilisation Bandage
This is the most critical first aid technique for Australian snake bites:
Pressure Immobilisation Technique (PIT):
- Apply initial pressure bandage: Apply a broad pressure bandage over the bite site as soon as possible
- Bandage the entire limb: Apply a firm bandage starting at the fingers or toes and continuing as far up the limb as possible
- Correct pressure: The bandage should be as tight as for a sprained ankle
- Mark the bite location: Use a pen to mark where the bite occurred on the bandage
- Immobilise with splint: Apply a rigid splint to the limb using wood, branch, or rolled up paper
The pressure of the bandage should be firm enough that the first aider’s finger cannot slide underneath, but not so tight that it cuts off circulation.
Step 4: Monitor for Cardiac Arrest
Sudden collapse with cardiac arrest requires immediate CPR. Be prepared to start cardiopulmonary resuscitation if the person becomes unconscious and stops breathing normally.
What NOT to Do: Critical Mistakes That Can Kill
Dangerous Myths and Practices to Avoid
NEVER:
- Cut or excise the bitten area, or attempt to suck venom from the bite site
- Wash the bitten area (venom residue helps identify the snake species)
- Apply an arterial tourniquet
- Remove clothing from the bitten limb
- Try to catch or kill the snake
- Give alcohol or medications
- Apply ice to the bite area
Many of Australia’s snakes are protected species. It is strongly recommended that no attempts be made to kill the snake due to the risk of multiple bites or another person being bitten.
Understanding Australian Venomous Snakes
The Most Dangerous Species
Eastern Brown Snake (Pseudonaja textilis)
- Fast-moving, aggressive and known for their bad temper
- Venom ranked as the second most toxic of any land snake in the world
- Can kill people in under 15 minutes according to venom expert Bryan Fry
Inland Taipan
- Most venomous snake in the world by toxicity
- Fortunately rarely encountered by humans
- Bites are almost always fatal without antivenom
Coastal Taipan
- Have the third most toxic venom of any land snakes
- Before antivenom introduction in 1956, taipan bites were nearly always fatal
How to Treat a Snake Bite: Medical Treatment
Antivenom: The Definitive Treatment
Antivenom is available for all venomous snakes native to Australia, but must be given under health professional supervision in a properly equipped medical facility.
Australia’s Advantage:
- You can get antivenom at 750 hospitals across Australia
- In 1979, Australia became the first country in the world to have a commercial snake venom detection kit
- Polyvalent antivenom is available, effective against all our most dangerous snakes
Recovery and Complications
About 200 of the 3,000 snakebites in Australia require medical intervention with antivenom therapy. With proper treatment, the survival rate is exceptionally high.
Prevention: What to Do After Snake Bite Knowledge
Reducing Your Risk
In snake-prone areas:
- Wear closed shoes and long pants
- Use a torch when walking at night
- Make noise when walking through bush
- Stay on designated paths
- Keep gardens clear of debris where snakes might hide
If you encounter a snake:
- Stop and slowly back away
- Most snakes would rather slither away from humans than fight them
- Never corner or harass a snake
- Call a professional snake catcher if needed
Australia Venomous Snakes: Geographic Distribution
Regional Risk Factors
High-risk areas:
- Rural and farming communities
- Coastal regions
- Areas with high rodent populations
- Bushland and national parks
Outdoor workers, such as landscape and zoo industry workers, reported half of all snakebites in Australia.
Emergency Preparedness: Building Your Snake Bite First Aid Kit
Essential Equipment
Your snake bite first aid kit should include:
- Pressure immobilisation bandages (10-15cm wide elastic bandages)
- Splinting materials
- Permanent marker
- Emergency contact numbers
- First aid instruction cards
Consider enrolling in a professional first aid course to practice these techniques properly.
When Should I Call Emergency Services?
Always Call 000 for Snake Bites
Call immediately if:
- Any suspected snake bite occurs
- The person shows any symptoms of envenomation
- You’re unsure whether envenomation occurred
- The person collapses or has difficulty breathing
All known or suspected snake bites must be treated as potentially life-threatening, and medical aid should be sought urgently.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the first aid for snake bite in Australia?
The primary first aid involves calling 000, keeping the person still, and applying pressure immobilisation bandaging to the affected limb. This technique slows venom movement through the lymphatic system.
Should I suck out the venom?
You shouldn’t attempt to suck out venom from a snake bite. It’s ineffective and can worsen the situation. Focus on proper pressure bandaging instead.
How do I identify if a snake is venomous?
Only 58% of Western Australians surveyed could correctly identify venomous snakes. The safest approach is to treat all snake bites as potentially venomous and seek immediate medical attention.
When should I call emergency services?
Call 000 immediately for any suspected snake bite. All snake bites are a medical emergency, even if symptoms aren’t immediately apparent.
What anti-venom is available in Australia?
Australia has specific antivenoms for all native venomous species, plus polyvalent antivenom that works against multiple species. These are available at hospitals nationwide and administered under medical supervision.
Take Action: Protect Yourself and Your Family
Understanding first aid for snake bite isn’t just knowledge—it’s a life skill every Australian needs. With proper first aid and medical care, Australia maintains one of the world’s lowest snakebite fatality rates despite having the most venomous snakes.
Ready to learn life-saving skills? Professional first aid training provides hands-on practice with pressure immobilisation techniques and emergency response procedures. Don’t wait until it’s too late—invest in proper first aid education today.
For comprehensive first aid training that covers snake bite management and other emergency situations, consider enrolling in accredited courses that will give you the confidence and competence to respond effectively in critical situations.
Sources and Further Reading:
- Australian and New Zealand Committee on Resuscitation (ANZCOR) Guidelines
- Australian Red Cross First Aid Resources
- St John Ambulance Australia
- Healthdirect Australia
- Australian Snakebite Project
This information is for educational purposes and does not replace professional medical advice. Always seek immediate medical attention for any suspected snake bite.