Thread: seeing they are about in big numbers

it's all about retarding. The venom that is.

Thanks incisor, it's a good reminder.... something that I often forget when I decide to go 4x4ing/bushwalking/camping....... should really check the 1st aide kit.

First Aid for Snake Bites:

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 torniquet!
Cutting or incising the bite won't help. High torniquets are ineffective and can be fatal if released.
Stop lymphatic spread - bandage firmly, splint and immobilise!
The "pressure-immobilisation" technique is currently recommended by the Australian Resuscitation Council, the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons and the Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists.
The lymphatic system is responsible for systemic spread of most venoms. This can be reduced by the application of a firm bandage (as firm as you would put on a sprained ankle) over a folded pad placed over the bitten area. While firm, it should not be so tight that it stops blood flow to the limb or to congests the veins. Start bandaging directly over the bitten area, ensuing that the pressure over the bite is firm and even. If you have enough bandage you can extend towards more central parts of the body, to delay spread of any venom that has already started to move centrally. A pressure dressing should be applied even if the bite is on the victims trunk or torso.
Immobility is best attained by application of a splint or sling, using a bandage or whatever to hand to absolutely minimise all limb movement, reassurance and immobilisation (eg, putting the patient on a stretcher). Where possible, bring transportation to the patient (rather then vice versa). Don't allow the victim to walk or move a limb. Walking should be prevented.
The pressure-immobilisation approach is simple, safe and will not cause iatrogenic tissue damage (ie, from incision, injection, freezing or arterial torniquets - all of which are ineffective).

Thanks Baz... Wondered who would correct the Lymphatic vs Blood issue

real men walk it off

... Time to buy a few crepe bandages for the kit... carrying one when wandering in the bush is not such a bad idea either.

If you want to be precise, as in 'How hard to wrap it' ... then the Setopress bandage is for you. Printed with coloured rectangle which become 'squares' when tension is correct.

SETOPRESS BANDAGE 10cmx3.5mtr - Compression Bandages - Compression Aids - Wound Care

- which is where I bought mine from, and another article here:-

Snakebite Bandage | Adelaide Bushwalkers

But a couple of 'ordinary' stretchy-bandages are better than nothing.

Originally Posted by Eevo

real men walk it off

Just not for long

Thanks Incisor and every one else. It might also be timely to remind the kids that if they see a snake, to stand stock still until the thing moves on and leave it well alone.

I just get calls to come move them...