A snake bite kit is a straightforward yet lifesaving tool. It doesn’t look like much, but it contains everything you need to manage a snake bite until help arrives. There are countless stories of people who’ve walked away from snake bites thanks to the quick use of a snake bite first aid kit.
Australia is home to some of the world’s most venomous snakes. While most people won’t encounter a snake bite, the reality is that those who do can find themselves in serious trouble very quickly.
Truth be told, Australia’s coastal taipans, brown snakes, and tiger snakes can be extremely dangerous. These snakes have evolved in such a way that their bites can lead to severe symptoms or, in the worst cases, even death without proper first aid.
In this article, we’ll discuss what you need in a snake bite kit, how to use it, and why it’s so important – especially in a place like Australia, where our snakes are beautiful but can end your life in a matter of hours.
Also Read: Australian Snake and Spider Bites: How to Stay Safe in the Wild
The Basics: What’s Inside a Snake Bite Kit?
The snake bite kit might seem basic, but each component is there for a reason, they are designed to keep you as safe as possible until medical help can take over. Here’s what you’ll typically find inside:
Compression Bandages
The main star of any snake bite kit is the pressure immobilisation bandage, a specially designed elastic bandage that’s essential for first aid. Applying pressure is key because it helps to slow down the movement of venom through the lymphatic system.
These bandages are typically longer and stretchier than regular bandages, so they can cover a large area and maintain steady pressure, which is essential when wrapping an arm or leg.
Indicator Bandage with Pressure Guide
Many kits now include a specialised compression bandage with indicators that show when you’re applying the right pressure.
If it’s too loose, venom could spread more quickly; too tight, you might cut off circulation. These markings help you avoid both extremes, and they make sure that the pressure is just right. You’ll be thankful for this feature when you’re in a high-stress situation where you might be prone to panic.
Instructions
You’ll also likely find clear, simple steps for applying the bandage, including diagrams that walk you through the technique step-by-step.
Also Read: Essentials of a Snake Bite First Aid Kit and How to Use Snake Bite Bandages Correctly
Marker Pen
This one is not as obvious but incredibly important. The pen is for noting the time of the bite on the bandage, so medical responders know how long you’ve been bitten and can adjust their treatment accordingly.
Splint or Rigid Support (In Some Kits)
A splint or rigid support can help immobilise the bitten limb, which is crucial. When a snake bites, you want to keep the affected area as still as possible to prevent the venom from circulating. Some kits come with a foldable splint or lightweight support that you can use to keep your arm or leg in place.
Why You Should Never Head Out Without a Snake Bite Kit
A snake bite kit isn’t just something that’s ‘nice-to-have’. It’s absolutely essential for anyone who spends time in snake-prone areas. Snake bite kits are easy to find, affordable, and incredibly compact, so there’s no excuse to leave home without one if you’re heading anywhere even remotely snake-prone.
While snake encounters aren’t guaranteed, the possibility is always there. A snake bite kit is your best defence and can buy you precious time if you’re far from immediate medical help.
Here’s why having a snake bite kit is non-negotiable:
- Australia’s Vast and Remote Areas: In the Australian Outback or even in rural bushland, medical help isn’t always close by. If there’s no kit close by, there’s no guarantee that you’d make it while waiting for help to arrive.
- Immediate Action Saves Lives: While snake bites are treatable, time is of the essence. A snake bite kit gives you a chance to take immediate action to delay venom spread until professionals can take over.
Using the Pressure Immobilisation Technique After You’ve Been Bitten
Once you’ve been bitten, the number one thing to remember is that movement spreads venom faster. What you’re aiming to do with a pressure immobilisation bandage is to slow the venom’s travel through the lymphatic system.
The pressure immobilisation technique is all about slowing the lymphatic flow. Unlike venom in the bloodstream, which moves quickly, venom spreads through the lymphatic system, which relies on muscle movement to transport fluids.
When you now apply firm pressure and immobilise the limb, you’re giving yourself a fighting chance. You’re literally buying time so that medical professionals can take over.
Here’s how you go about it:
Step 1: Keep Calm and Stay Still
It’s natural to panic, but staying calm and still is your best chance of survival. Sit down, keep the bitten limb as still as possible, and try not to let adrenaline take over.
Step 2: Grab the Compression Bandage and Wrap Firmly
Place the snake bite bandage about 10 centimetres above the bite site (if the bite is on a limb). You’ll want to start wrapping downwards, covering the bite site itself, and then work your way up the limb.
Step 3: Apply the Right Pressure
This is where those indicator bandages can be handy. You’re aiming for a firm but not painfully tight wrap. It should be tight enough to restrict movement in the lymphatic system but not so tight that it cuts off blood flow.
With standard bandages, you can test the pressure by seeing if you can slip a finger underneath without too much difficulty.
Step 4: Immobilise the Limb
Once the bandage is applied, the most important thing for you to do now is to keep the limb still. Use a splint if you have one or make do with anything sturdy like sticks, hiking poles, or even just securing the limb against your body.
Step 5: Mark the Time of the Bite
If you’ve got a pen, jot down the time of the bite on the bandage. This can give paramedics important information on how long you’ve been envenomated and guide their treatment.
Step 6: Get Help Immediately
Call emergency services as soon as possible. Tell them it’s a snake bite so they know the urgency of the situation. If you’re in a remote area, a PLB (personal locator beacon) can also be a lifesaver.
Conclusion
A snake bite kit is a simple, inexpensive way to stay prepared, and it could very well save your life or the life of someone with you.
Nonetheless, it’s not enough to just carry the kit; you need to know how to use it effectively. If you can, try to practise applying the pressure immobilisation bandage on yourself or a friend before you head out.