First Aid | General Advice
Avoid washing the bite area because any venom left on the skin can help identify the snake.
DO NOT apply a tourniquet, cut the wound or attempt to suck the venom out.
It's not recommended to kill the snake for purposes of identification, because medical services do not rely on visual identification of the snake species.
A pressure immobilisation bandage is recommended for anyone bitten by a venomous snake.
This involves firmly bandaging the area of the body involved, such as the arm or leg, and keeping the person calm and still until medical help arrives. If possible, mark the site of the bite on the bandage with a pen.
For all snake bites, provide emergency care including cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) if needed. Call triple zero (000) for an ambulance. Apply a pressure immobilisation bandage and keep the person calm and as still as possible until medical help arrives.
Antivenom is available for all venomous Australian snake bites.