When Bitten by a Snake: What to Do First (A Life-Saving First Aid Guide)

When it comes to an emergency—whether on the farm, in the garden, or out on a hike—having the right training and knowledge for a quick first-aid response can save lives.

Snake bites are rare but serious. In Australia alone, the Royal Flying Doctors Service (RFDS) estimates around 3,000 snake bites occur every year, with approximately 550 hospitalizations and tragically, two deaths annually.

The good news? Most snake bites are survivable with prompt, correct first aid.

This guide walks you through exactly what to do—and what not to do—if you or someone else is bitten. Because in an emergency, seconds count, and clarity saves lives.

🐍 Quick Facts: Snake Bites in Australia

Statistic	Detail
Annual bites	~3,000
Hospitalizations	~550/year
Fatalities	~2/year (with proper care)
Most common snakes	Brown snake (41%), Tiger snake (17%), Red-bellied black snake (16%)
Most affected group	Males in their 30s (often farmers, outdoor workers)
Where bites happen	57% near houses; 43% in bush/remote areas
Common activities	Walking (50%), gardening, attempting to catch/remove snakes

💡 Key insight: Snakes aren't hunting you. Most bites occur when snakes feel threatened—often because someone stepped on them, tried to move them, or startled them near water or rodent sources.

🚨 If You're Bitten: Do These Steps FIRST

Step 1: Stay Calm and Keep Still

✅ Why: Movement speeds up venom circulation through your lymphatic system.
✅ Do: Sit or lie down immediately. Keep the bitten limb as still as possible.
✅ Say: "I've been bitten. Stay calm. Help is coming."

Step 2: Call Emergency Services Immediately

✅ Australia: Dial 000
✅ Other countries: Know your local emergency number (911, 112, etc.)
✅ Tell them:

"Snake bite" (so they send appropriate help)
Your exact location (GPS coordinates if remote)
What the snake looked like (color, pattern, size)—but don't chase it

Step 3: Apply the Pressure Immobilisation Technique (PIT)

This is the gold-standard first aid for Australian elapid snake bites (which include brown snakes, tiger snakes, taipans, and black snakes).

How to Apply PIT:

Keep the limb still—do not wash, cut, or suck the bite.
Apply a broad pressure bandage (elastic roller bandage preferred) over the bite site.
Bandage upward from the bite, covering as much of the limb as possible (like wrapping a sprain).
Apply firm, even pressure—firm enough to restrict lymph flow but not so tight it cuts off circulation (you should still feel a pulse).
Immobilize the limb with a splint or sling to prevent movement.
Keep the person still and calm until emergency help arrives.

🎯 Pro tip: Practice PIT with a trainer bandage before an emergency. Muscle memory saves time when seconds count.

Step 4: Monitor and Reassure

✅ Watch for symptoms: Collapse, vomiting, abdominal pain, bleeding, paralysis, difficulty breathing.
✅ Keep the person warm and calm—shock can worsen outcomes.
✅ Do not give food, drink, or medication—in case surgery or antivenom is needed.
✅ Note the time of the bite—this helps medical teams assess venom progression.