Snake encounters are a part of life in Australia. From suburban backyards to bush tracks, snakes appear more often than many realise. Although hospital treatments and antivenoms save lives, what happens in the first minutes after a bite makes all the difference. That’s why knowing and practicing snake bite first aid is essential.
Why Practice Matters
Most people know they should call 000 and use a bandage. But under pressure, the details matter — and they’re easy to get wrong. Practising first aid ensures that when panic strikes, your hands know what to do.
- Bites may not hurt. Many Australian snakes have fine fangs, so the bite can feel like a scratch or go unnoticed.
- Venom spreads silently. It moves via the lymphatic system, not the bloodstream, which means movement accelerates its spread.
- Panic delays response. If you’ve never practiced, it takes longer to apply the bandage and immobilise the limb correctly.
Practicing your pressure immobilisation technique with family is vital in Australia
Snake Bites in Australia: The Reality
| Statistic | Figure | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Average deaths per year | ~2 | University of Melbourne |
| Reported bites annually | ~3,000 | NSW Health / Poisons Information Centre |
| Most bites occur | Near the home or backyard | Queensland Health |
| High-risk season | Spring & summer (breeding and hunting) | Australian Museum |
ANZCOR First Aid Steps for Snake Bite
The Australian Resuscitation Council (ANZCOR) recommends the Pressure Immobilisation Technique (PIT). Here’s what to do:
- Call Triple Zero (000) immediately.
- Keep the patient still and calm. Movement spreads venom faster.
- Do not wash, cut, or suck the bite. Do not apply a tourniquet.
- Apply a pressure bandage. Start directly over the bite site, then firmly bandage the entire limb from fingers/toes upward.
- Immobilise. Use a splint to keep the limb still. Mark the bite site on the bandage if known.
- Monitor breathing. Be prepared to start CPR if the patient becomes unresponsive.
Snake bite marks can be hard to spot
How to Practice at Home
Practising builds muscle memory and confidence. Here’s a safe way to rehearse:
- Use your kit’s tension-indicator bandage. Wrap until rectangles turn into squares.
- Time yourself. A full application should take under three minutes with practice.
- Practise on different limbs. Each is slightly different in movement and bandaging.
- Re-roll and repack the bandage after practice so it’s ready for real use.
Watch & Practice: Snake Bite First Aid in 2 Minutes
It’s easier to learn by seeing it done. Watch our quick demonstration video below, then grab your kit and try it yourself.
A Unique Australian Perspective
Unlike many parts of the world, most of Australia’s dangerous snakes are in the same family (elapids). That means a single approach — the Pressure Immobilisation Technique — works for nearly all bites. This simplifies training, but also means every Australian and every tourist should know this method, not just rural workers or bushwalkers.
Snake encounters are just as common in suburbs and holiday spots as in the bush. Carrying a kit and practising with it isn’t overkill — it’s a smart, simple safeguard.
FAQs
Do I need to identify the snake?
No. Hospitals use venom detection and symptoms to guide treatment. Focus on first aid and calling 000.
Should I practise with my bandages?
Yes. Practising ensures you know the right tension. Use the indicator markings to check yourself.
Can I use any elastic bandage?
Standard elastic bandages often aren’t wide enough. A snake bite kit with wide, indicator bandages is recommended.
Do bites always hurt?
No. Many Australian snake bites feel like a scratch or nothing at all. Don’t rely on pain as a sign.
Author
Samantha Kerr has been a First Aid Trainer in Outback NSW since 2008. She has trained thousands of Australians in snake bite prevention and real-world response, with a focus on making lifesaving skills simple and practical. She works with Assurance First Aid Kits to provide training and high-quality snake bite kits to families, hikers, and remote workers.
References
- ANZCOR Guideline 9.4.1 – Snake Bite
- ANZCOR Guideline 9.4.8 – Pressure Immobilisation
- Queensland Health – Snake Bites
- Australian Museum – Eastern Brown Snake
- AIHW – Venomous Bites and Stings
Next step: Get familiar with your kit today. Practise with the bandages so you’re confident before an emergency ever happens.
This blog is general information and does not replace professional medical advice. Always call 000 immediately in a suspected snake bite.
