Snakes in Australia are not just reptiles you see when camping in the woods or hiking; they can also take the role of silent intruders and meet you in the hallway of your home at an odd hour. They often enter residential buildings and business premises, causing a threat to you and your family or staff.
Given the large variety of snake species present in the Australian terrain, including some of the most venomous ones, it becomes essential to learn about the use of a snake bite kit in Australia, and how it can help you deal with a snake bite emergency.
This article highlights the essentials of a snake bite kit with many other relevant details – stick around to learn more!
Complete Guide – Snake Bite First Aid Kit Australia
What Does a Snake Bite Kit Contain?
Before we jump into what to do when a snake bites you or any other person, let’s first have a look at what a snake bite kit contains. After all, you don’t want to attend to a victim and find out you are missing some essential items in the process. A snake bite first aid kit contains a pair of sterile bandages or dressings used to apply pressure to the wound after a bite, slowing down the spread of the venom. Alongside these, you will find adhesive tapes to secure the dressings in place.The kit will also contain a compression bandage or elastic wrap for immobilizing the affected area to restrict further venom circulation. You will also find a marker pen to outline the bite site. Last but not least, you will find the first aid kit instructions. Other kits may contain a sterile scalpel, tourniquet, and ammonia wipes; however, these should only be used by trained personnel.
How to Use a Snake Bite Kit / How to Treat a Snake Bite?
A snake-handling kit can make a huge difference when used ASAP. This applies whether in the bushlands or at home.Follow these steps as you wait for professional help to arrive:Slowly move the victim away from the vicinity of the snake to prevent the snake from biting again.Sit down the victim and try to get them calm – Panicking will increase the heart rate, speeding up the spread of the venom.Keep the bit area immobilized to minimize the spread of the venom. If it’s your hand or ankle, do not move them.If the victim is wearing tight clothing or accessories near the bitten area, remove them.Apply a pressure bandage to the bitten area- Not too tight- 2-4 inches above the bite site is enough to slow down the venom. The Australian Resuscitation Council recommends using pressure immobilization bandaging, at least 7.5 cm broad.Mark the bitten area on the bandage with a marker penIf the victim stops breathing before help arrives, be prepared to do CPR, and at no cost should you remove the bandage.
Are Snake Bite Kits Worth It?
Absolutely, a well-equipped snake first aid kit can make a whole difference. Let’s get things straight – when a snake bites you, slowing down the venom before professional help arrives is the fastest thing you can do to help the victim. A snake bite kit should be used within the first 3 minutes of the incidents to get the best of it. Just imagine what would happen if you had no kit to slow down the circulation of venom and the ambulance took too long to arrive. The results would be fatal, right?With that being said, you should always have yours with you. And if you have frequently used it, ensure you get a snake bite first aid kit refill. Accidents happen unexpectedly, and shortages can put the victim at risk.
How to Find the Best Snake Bite Kit in Australia?
For any snake bite emergency, you will need the best snake bite kit to swiftly handle the situation. If you are going to enjoy Australia’s beautiful landscape, you want to carry a kit that’s not too heavy to carry. An 11 x 8 x 7cm snake bite kit will serve you well. Many camping enthusiasts have reported that using a compact kit that comes in a durable softpack bag makes an ideal purchase. It can be worn on the belt, making it easy and handy to carry along on your outdoor adventures. Also, you want to go for a snake bite kit bag that is adaptable to Australia’s changing weather conditions. In this case, a water-resistant bag can save you from trouble when it rains. It should also have strong zippers and stitched handles. These features will make it easy for you to attach the bag to your backpack or hiking and camping gear.
What to Do If a Snake Bites?
Remain calm.Slowly move away from the snake if it’s not gone.Call for professional help.Make use of the snake bite kit to slow down the venom. A pressure bandage should do you good.Keep the affected area still to avoid increasing the circulation of the venom.Avoid taking alcohol or caffeinated beverages as they can increase the heart rate, increasing the venom’s circulation.Snake bites are unexpected, especially during the warm seasons in Australia. The best thing you can offer to yourself and your loved ones is to ensure you are well-trained and have a snake bite kit Australia, whether in the house or the bushy areas. Hope this blog was helpful – stay safe!