12-27-2004, 03:56 PM
Bites & Stings
Army First Aid Training
Snake Bites
Snakes are not normally aggressive and tend to bite only when under threat or when handled. Most snake bites happen when people either deliberately attack a snake or a snake is trodden on.
Some Australian snakes are highly venomous, for example the Brown snake or the Tiger snake.
How snake bite can occur & how to respond [14MB]
Signs & Symptoms | Prevention Golden Rules | First Aid Treatment
Signs & Symptoms
Signs & symptoms appear about 15 minutes to 2 hours after the casualty has been bitten and can include:
Paired fang marks (although often only a single mark or a scratch may be present
Bruising and/or reddening at the bite site
Headache
Nausea
Vomiting & diarrhoea
Pain in the abdomen or chest
Drowsiness
Blurred or double vision
Muscle weakness
Breathing difficulties
Coughing or vomiting blood or passing it in the urine
Prevention Golden Rules
Snake bite prevention [4.2MB]
Leave snakes alone
Always wear protective shoes & clothing in snake country
Never put your hands in hollow logs or thick grass without inspecting first
Always use a torch around camps & outbuildings at night as many snakes, especially tiger snakes are active on warm summer nights
Keep sheds free of mice & rats as they will attract snakes in search of food
First Aid Treatment for Snake Bite
First Aid Treatment for Snake bite [3.9MB]
Carry out the IA
Ensure the victim is resting and reassure them
DO NOT wash the bitten area as it is somtimes possible to identify the snake from venom left on the skin
Apply the PIM
Get medical attention as soon as possible. If on your own, leave the victim and get assistance.
If possible, let the hospital know of your arrival in advance as urgent treatment may be required as soon as the casualty gets there.
Applying a firm crepe bandage accompanied by immobilisation of the limb is crucial in effectively reducing the spread of the venom
DO NOT remove PIM bandages or splint
DO NOT cut or suck the bitten area
DO NOT use an arterial torniquet
DO NOT elevate the limb
DO NOT wash the bitten area