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WHAT TO DO IF YOU ARE BITTEN BY A VENOMOUS SNAKE

The Australian Resuscitation Council recommends the 'pressure-immobilisation' technique:

- Apply a broad pressure bandage firmly and tightly

- To reduce blood flow and delay venom spread, apply a further bandage starting at the fingers and toes and covering as much of the limb as possible

- Splint the limb including joints on either side of the bite, to restrict limb movement

- Keep the bite victim and the limb completely at rest

- Bring transport to the victim if possible

- Transport the victim to medical care, preferably by ambulance

- If alone, the victim should apply the pressure immobilisation bandage as completely as possible over the bite site and affected limb and keep immobile until assistance arrives

Do NOT wash the area of the bite or try to suck out the venom:

It is extremely important to retain traces of venom for use with venom identification kits

Do NOT incise or cut the bite, or apply a high tourniquet:

Cutting or incising the bite won't help. High tourniquets are ineffective and can be fatal if released

 Source: The Australian Resuscitation Council

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