After a bite, the person should remain as still as possible and avoid walking or unnecessarily moving the affected limb. Movement can increase the spread of venom through the body. The affected limb should be immobilized with a splint or sling while emergency transportation is arranged rather than having the victim walk for help.
The wound should never be cut, and nobody should attempt to suck out the venom. A high tourniquet should also not be used. In Australia, where the article’s guidance is based, pressure immobilization with a firm bandage and splint is recommended for relevant snake bites, with the bandage left in place until medical professionals can safely remove it.
Finally, do not risk another bite by attempting to catch or kill the snake. The priority is keeping the victim still, applying appropriate first aid, and getting medical assistance as quickly as possible. Even a suspected “dry bite,” in which no venom appears to have been injected, still requires medical evaluation because it is impossible to reliably determine the severity of the bite without professional assessment.
