If you see a snake, the best thing to do is stand still and watch the
bugger really closely. Apart from being amazing to watch they will invariably slither off into the bush without so
much as a hiss if you leave them alone. They hate bush walkers as much as you hate them. The fact is, snakes have a really keen sense of smell and there's nothing more that offends
them more than the feet of a backpacker whose been tramping through the forest for 10 hours.
If someone near you gets bitten, don't let them move at all or the only thing that
will work will be to carefully dig
a hole and lay the injured person in it - commonly referred to as a burial. Make a decision between running to get help to
come to the victim or taking the victim to the help. Either way, you should do the following:
DO NOT WASH the bitten area as residue may help to identify the offending snake. DO NOT
cut the bite and try to suck the poison out. DO NOT apply a tourniquet.
Apply a broad bandage over the bite area immediately. Begin by apply two turns above and
below the bite area in two long figure 8. Continue spiraling the bandage above the bite for the full length of the affected limb.
Use more than one bandage if necessary. The bandage should be firm but not tight.
Immobilize the affected area by splinting.
If possible, lay the patient in water (a creek or stream) as this has the effect of reducing the
blood flow a bit more.
Reassure the patient. Keep them calm and ensure their pulse stays as low as possible.
The whole
concept behind doing all these things is to minimize the blood flow and thus prevent the venom spreading to the vital organs.
The same stuff should be done if a spider bites someone.
