Snake bite

Snakes can occur on Australian farms. Australia has some of the world’s deadliest snakes and they mainly live in rural and remote areas. They also come around farm houses looking for water or mice. 

Different snake venom affects the body differently and you should seek medical assistance urgently after snake bite.  Symptoms of snake bite may include pain, swelling or bruising around the bite (local effects), or more widespread effects throughout the body (systemic effects).

First aid for snake bite aims to stop the venom moving around the body. This has shown that very little venom reaches the circulation if both pressure over the site and the limb is immobilised.

You should:

• Bandage the area of the bite firmly
• Use anything available if you have no bandages, eg tear up a shirt or singlet
• Put a splint around the limb
• Move the limb as little as possible
• Seek medical help immediately
• Do not wash the bite or attempt to catch/kill the snake.