A 35-year-old bushwalker in rural Queensland is bitten on the lower leg by an unidentified snake. He arrives at a small rural clinic within 20 minutes...

Question

A 35-year-old bushwalker in rural Queensland is bitten on the lower leg by an unidentified snake. He arrives at a small rural clinic within 20 minutes. There is a single fang mark; he is anxious but haemodynamically stable with no neurological signs. What is the most appropriate immediate first aid and early management step?

Accepted Answer

Apply pressure-immobilisation bandage to the entire limb and keep him still

Answer

Apply a tourniquet tightly above the bite

Answer

Incise and suction the bite site

Answer

Allow him to walk around to assess for symptoms

Answer

Wash the wound vigorously and apply an ice pack

au-amc MCQ (SBA): Australian snakebite first aid