Pressure bandage and keep still
Call 000 firstDo now Keep them still. Bandage the whole limb firmly, from the fingers or toes upward.
Police, fire and ambulance. Free from any phone.112 works from a mobile. 106 is the text relay if you are deaf or have a speech impairment. Need an interpreter? Say “I want a [your language] interpreter”.Stay on the line. The call taker may give you first aid instructions.Not sure where you are? The free Emergency+ app shows your location. Install it before you need it.
SourcesQueensland Ambulance Service — calling an ambulanceTriple Zero — Australian GovernmentEmergency+ app
Pressure bandaging and immobilising the limb slows venom. It is recommended for snakes (including sea snakes), funnel-web and mouse spiders, blue-ringed octopus and cone shells. It is not recommended for other bites and stings.
- Call 000 and ask for an ambulance. Lie the person down, keep them still and calm.
- Remove jewellery from the limb if you can.
- Put a broad pressure bandage over the bite. Then wrap a firm elastic bandage, 10 to 15 cm wide, from just above the fingers or toes up the whole limb. It should be firm, not so tight that it causes numbness, tingling or colour change.
- Splint the limb so it cannot move. Mark the bite site with an X on the bandage.
- Do not make the person walk. Bring the ambulance as close as you can.
SourcesBetter Health Channel — bites and stings first aidhealthdirect — snake bitesANZCOR — pressure immobilisation technique (9.4.8)