A splint can help keep the affected limb immobilised.
If the patient is bitten on an arm, the arm should be supported and secured after appropriate bandaging.
If bitten on a leg, the person should not attempt to walk.
Reassurance can also help reduce panic and unnecessary activity.
Explain that help has been contacted and that remaining still is an important part of first aid.
Rule 3: DON'T Cut the Wound or Apply a Tourniquet
Traditional snakebite treatments have included cutting open bite wounds, attempting to drain venom, and tightly tying off limbs.
These practices are dangerous and should not be used.
Cutting the bite does not reliably remove venom that has entered tissues.
It can also cause additional bleeding, tissue injury, and infection.
A tourniquet is equally problematic.
Unlike a pressure immobilisation bandage, a tourniquet is designed to severely restrict or stop blood flow.
This can damage tissues and create serious complications.
