Thread: what should you do if you?re bitten by a snake?

or do what the aboriginal people used to do.
go lie down under the nearest tree and dont move/sleep for two days.

Originally Posted by Eevo

or do what the aboriginal people used to do.
go lie down under the nearest tree and dont move/sleep for two days.

Only two days????

Originally Posted by mick88

Only two days????

maybe it was two weeks. i forget.

Originally Posted by Eevo

maybe it was two weeks. i forget.

-memory loss is a sure sign of being bitten, and sleeping under trees for a few days...
or weeks.

Now for a sensible and useful contribution to what is a serious subject, particularly off the beaten track where effectiveness of first Aid is so important...

Have a look at this article regarding the real-life usefulness of ordinary crepe bandages...better than nothing, but the bandage mentioned here is far more suited, and for the amateur, could be a life-saver.

Setopress bandages for snakebite and sprains | Bush Search and Rescue Victoria

Another nice chart from the manufacturers of the bandage, giving the measured pressures when used as directed. Aim point is 40mmHg, if you're carrying a suitable gadget to measure it with...

[ame]https://www.prospectingaustralia.com.au/forum/doc/member-docs/414/1389003637_setopress_application_guide.pdf[/ame]

Originally Posted by mick88

Only two days????

2 days is sufficient (if my St John first aid trainer is to be believed).


the idea is to reduce the toxins traveling around your body in your lymph system.


unless you actually provoke the snake, most (but definitely not all) bites are either dry or have minimal venom injection as the snake wants to save their venom stores for actual prey.

Originally Posted by superquag

Now for a sensible and useful contribution to what is a serious subject, particularly off the beaten track where effectiveness of first Aid is so important...

actually lying under a tree is a sensible thing to do.
if you have to walk more than 50m to get your first aid kit, you're better off lying down and self immobilizing.

walking 50m is enough to spread the venom around.

I was bitten on the shin by a Tiger snake on a bushwalk and my girlfriend applied a compression bandage from my foot to my upper thigh. I barely moved for the two days it took to get to the doctor. When he removed the bandage you could see a the path the venom took in my viens which were inflamed and very visible. The doctor said she did a good job, he reapplied the bandage and said to take it easy for a few days then remove the bandage.

I know you are supposed to freeze when you come across a snake but after that experience I jump at the sight of them now. Am not a fan of snakes.