As the snakes near the field come out of hybernation we are reminded that Australia is home to many poisonous snakes, the venoms of different snakes have different effects on the heart, blood and body tissues. The most common serious effect is paralysis of the breathing muscles which may lead to death, so it is vital to ensure that breathing and circulation are maintained. Seeking medical attention urgently is essential.
Only an expert can identify whether the bite is from a poisonous snake, all snake bites should be treated as potentially lethal and immediate medical attention should be sought. Major hospitals have a "Venom Detection Kit" so NEVER endanger yourself trying to kill the snake to take it to the hospital for identification.
First Aid for snake bites (and also spider bites) is:
a) Use the pressure immobilisation technique for a bite on the limb
b) Continually monitor the airway, breathing and circulation (ABC) and be prepared to give Expired Air Resuscitation (EAR) and Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) if needed
c) Keep the victim calm. reassured and at total rest
d)  Call an ambulance or in an isolated area transport the victim to a medical facility immediately
e)  DO NOT cut, drain, suck or wash the wound, DO NOT apply a tourniquet.

APPLYING A PRESSURE IMMOBILIZATION BANDAGE (this example is to the leg but use the same technique on an arm, substitute elbow for knee):

 

1. Using a crepe roller bandage over the bite area; apply firm pressure. Tie or tape the bandage in place.
 
 
 
 
 
 

2. Using a second bandage, bandage the leg upward from the toes to above the knee, bandaging the leg as high as you can and secure the end of the bandage.
 
 

3. Immobilise the limb, this can be done by tying the 2 limbs together (using the good limb as the splint, applies to both legs and arms)
 
 

4.  Monitor for discolouration in case you tightened the bandage too tight, if too tight then loosen the bandage slightly but keep pressure on the bite area. Keep the victim at rest and wait for an ambulance or carry the victim out of the bush, never let the victim walk out of the bush or drive himself to hospital