Did you know that Australia records approximately 3,000 snakebites and an average of two fatalities each year? So, if you spend time outdoors, hiking, camping or even working in remote areas, you have enough reasons to keep reading this post and learn about the importance of stocking a snake bite first aid kit.
What is a Snake Bite Kit?
We understand that nobody asks for a snake bite to happen. It’s an unfortunate incident, and just like any other crisis-like situation, you can prepare for a snake bite and minimise its impact.
To prepare for the “worst,” especially in outdoors and snake-prone environments, it’s a good idea to know about the essentials you need in a snake bite emergency.
A snake bite first aid kit provides essentials for treatment. Just like any other first aid kit, this pack is not a cure, but it helps to slow down the spread of snake venom and increases survival chances. It helps to keep the victim in good shape until medical help comes.
Importance of a Snake Bite Kit for Hikers and Explorers
A snake bite kit is essential for anyone and everyone spending time in snake-prone areas like hikers, campers, farmers and outdoor workers. Here’s why you must care about snake bite first aid solutions:
Venomous Snake Bites Can Be Fatal: Australia houses some of the deadliest snakes in the world, and their venom can be very dangerous. Their venom can cause paralysis, internal bleeding, organ failure and even death! In most cases, a simple snake bite can escalate quickly if not treated promptly.
Delays in Emergency Response: If a snake bite occurs in a remote location, medical help may not be immediately available. The ambulance or rescue team may even take hours to get to the person depending on the location, especially for hikers and capers.
Portable and Easy to Use: Modern snake bite kits are compact, lightweight and easy to carry. They typically contain compression bandages, instructions, and other essential items to slow venom movement in case of a snake bite.
As earlier mentioned, no one steps out expecting to get bitten by a snake, but everyone can step out prepared for the worst. So, if you go camping, backpacking or even stay in a remote area often, a snake bite first aid kit is non-negotiable.
Content of a Snake Bite First Aid Kit
These are some of the essential components of a first aid kit:
Snake Bite Bandage (with Indicators)
A snake bite bandage is specially designed with tension indicators to help you apply the correct amount of pressure. The indicators are quite crucial because too little pressure won’t slow the venom, and too much can cut off circulation.
Compression Bandages
A compression bandage is used to secure the limb. This method is called the Pressure Immobilisation Technique (PIT) – a recommended first aid approach for snake bites in Australia.
It involves wrapping the entire limb, not just the bite site. Do note that the first bandage should be applied just above the bite, moving upwards towards the body before wrapping downwards over the entire limb. This approach slows down the movement of the venom in the limb and stops the venom from going any further.
First Aid Instruction Card
Except if you are a medic or have previous knowledge of using this first aid kit, you most likely won’t know what to do even if you have the kit. This is why the instruction card is very important. It provides a detailed description and explanation of how to use the kit.
It’s best to read the instructions beforehand to be on the safe side. You don’t want to be reading an instruction kit for the first time after a snake bite. So, ensure you read through it before venturing into the woods. Remember, precaution is better than cure.
A Marker or Pen
Yes, a marker!
A marker can go a long way in saving a life. It is used to mark the bite site before bandaging. Why is this necessary? Marking the bite spot is necessary because once the bandage is applied, the exact location of the bite will be covered, and it may waste more time for medical professionals to find it later. In addition, marking the area helps doctors locate the bite immediately when removing the bandages in a clinical setting.
An Emergency Contact Information Sheet
Have you ever been under so much pressure that it takes you a while to remember your name or home address? Now imagine how much pressure and stress a snake bite can put you under. This is why an emergency contact information sheet is included in a snake bite first aid kit. The kit typically includes contact details for Australia’s Poison Information Hotline (13 11 26) and local ambulance services (000).
A Triangular Bandage or Sling
When it comes to snake bites, constant moving can increase the spread of the venom. This is why a triangular band or sling is in a snake bite kit. The sling is to keep the limb still and reduce movement. So, if the bite is on the arm, the triangular bandage can be used as a sling to hold the arm against the chest. If it’s on the leg, binding the leg to the other leg with the bandage will minimise movement.
How to Use a Snake Bite Kit
For this section, let’s imagine you’re not the victim, but you’re there to help a victim. So how do you help?
The first step is to get the victim to stop moving immediately! Any movement increases the spread of the venom through the lymphatic system. Have them sit or lie down and keep the affected limb as still as possible.
Once the victim is still, locate the bite site and use a marker to draw a circle around it. You can also note the time of the bite to help the medical professionals when help comes.
Next, a snake bite bandage must be applied with the correct pressure. Start wrapping just above the bite site and continue up the limb towards the body before coming back down to cover the entire limb. During this process, make sure you check the tension indicators to ensure that the bandage is firm enough to slow venom movement but not too tight that it cuts off circulation.
After the limb is wrapped, secure it with additional compression bandages and a triangular bandage or sling to keep it immobilised. If the bite is on the arm, place the arm in a sling and strap it to the body. If the bite is on the leg, bind the leg to the uninjured leg to prevent movement.
Once the first aid measures are in place, call 000 for medical assistance. While waiting for help, monitor the victim for signs of severe symptoms such as difficulty breathing, weakness or loss of consciousness. Keep them as awake, still and calm as possible to slow the spread of venom.
Also, do not try to be a “hero” by searching for or trying to kill the snake. You sure don’t want to be a second victim. We hope this post was useful. Get a snake bite first aid kit today and save yourself or a victim around you precious time in an emergency.