Medical emergency

Snake bite or suspected bite? Call 000.

Keep the person still. Do not let them walk. Follow the ambulance operator’s instructions and use a pressure immobilisation bandage if available.

Call 000

All snake bites in Australia should be treated as a medical emergency, even if there are no immediate symptoms.

Lie the person down. Reassure them and stop movement of the bitten limb and the rest of the body.

Apply a firm pressure bandage over the bite and then up the whole limb. Add a splint if available. Do not remove the bandage.

Do not wash the bite, apply a tourniquet, cut the wound, suck venom or try to catch the snake.

This summary does not replace emergency advice. Read Healthdirect’s snake-bite guidance and follow the 000 operator.