When Bitten by a Snake, You Should Do These Things First — Life-Saving First Aid Steps

In Australia alone, there are ~3,000 snake bites annually, with brown snakes responsible for nearly half of all identified cases. The good news? With proper first aid, survival rates are extremely high—even for venomous bites.

But what you do in the first few minutes can mean the difference between life and death. Here’s exactly what to do—and what never to do.

🚨 Immediate First Aid: The Pressure Immobilization Technique (PIT)

This is the gold standard for snake bites in Australia and other regions with neurotoxic venom (like tiger, brown, and taipan snakes).

✅ DO THIS IMMEDIATELY:

Stay Calm & Keep the Victim Still

Panic increases heart rate, spreading venom faster.

Do not walk or move the bitten limb. Lie down if possible.

Call Emergency Services Immediately

In Australia: Dial 000

Note your location—many bites happen in rural areas with poor signal.

Apply a Pressure Immobilization Bandage

Use a broad elastic bandage (10–15 cm wide).

Start at the bite site and wrap firmly upward (like a sprain)—as tight as for a sprained ankle.

Cover the entire limb, from fingers/toes to armpit or groin.

Splint the limb to prevent movement.

Mark the Bite Site

Use a pen to circle the fang marks through the bandage—helps medical teams locate it.

Do NOT Wash the Wound

Venom on the skin can be tested to identify the snake—critical for antivenom.

Wait for Help—Do Not Move

Even if feeling fine, stay completely still. Some venoms cause sudden collapse hours later.

❌ What NOT to Do (Myths That Can Kill):