Question

A 35-year-old man is bitten on the lower leg by an unidentified snake while bushwalking in remote northern Australia. He presents to a small rural clinic 45 minutes later. There is local pain but no systemic symptoms yet. According to Australian snakebite management principles, what is the most appropriate immediate first aid and management step?

Accepted Answer

Apply a pressure immobilisation bandage to the entire limb and immobilise, then arrange urgent retrieval

Answer

Incise and suck the wound

Answer

Apply a tight tourniquet above the bite

Answer

Encourage the patient to walk around to aid distribution of antivenom

Answer

Wash the wound vigorously to remove venom

Practice question