Mastering Snakebite First Aid With

Pressure Immobilisation Technique:

Let’s get real—Australia is home to some of the world’s most venomous creatures, and knowing what to do when bitten could literally save your life or someone else’s. Pressure Immobilisation Technique is a key technique to make a difference..

a wrapped pressure imobilisation bandage

Why Pressure Immobilisation Bandages Matter

First things first, PIT isn’t just some fancy name. It’s a straightforward method that stops venom in its tracks, buying you crucial time before medical help arrives. This technique is specifically recommended for:

All Aussie snake bites, including sea snakes
Funnel-web spider bites
Blue-ringed octopus stings
Cone shell stings

Notice how we didn’t say red-back spiders or jellyfish? Yeah, Pressure Immobilisation Technique makes a huge difference in saving lives but isn’t effective for stings from certain animals.

What Exactly Is a Pressure Immobilisation Bandage?

In simple terms, it’s a stretchy bandage that wraps firmly around the limb to slow venom movement via the lymphatic system. They are special bandages designed for this job, or alternatively you can use multiple elastic crepe bandages.

This isn’t a tourniquet situation—you’re not cutting off circulation (that can make things worse); just slowing down venom transport.

Understanding Venom and Lymphatic Flow

Most people think Venom goes straight into your blood stream, but that’s just not true! Think about it: even professionals have trouble finding our bloodstream at times when they put in a canular.

Instead, Venom spreads primarily through the lymphatic system. Unlike blood circulation, lymph moves slowly, driven mainly by muscle movement. Pressure Immobilisation Technique works because it dramatically slows this lymphatic flow, keeping the venom closer to the bite site and buying you precious time until you reach medical help.

Step-by-Step: The Pressure Immobilisation Technique

Feeling overwhelmed? Don’t be. Here’s your step-by-step guide, no fancy terms, just clear and easy:

Step 1: Keep Calm and Call 000

Seriously, stay calm. Panic makes venom spread faster.

Step 2: Stay Still and Get Comfy

No running around looking for help—bring help to you. Lie the victim down immediately and keep them still.

Step 3: Apply That Bandage Firmly (But Not Crazy Tight)

pressure immobilistation technique demonstration

Use an elastic pressure immobilisation bandage (10-15cm wide is ideal).
Start wrapping from just above the toes or fingers, moving upwards towards the hip or shoulder.
Aim for the tightness you’d use for a sprained ankle—you shouldn’t slide your finger easily underneath.

Step 4: Mark the Bite Site Clearly

Use a marker or pen on the bandage. Doctors will thank you later—believe me.

Step 5: Immobilise With a Splint

Get creative—use a stick, rolled-up newspaper, or whatever’s rigid and handy. Secure it firmly alongside the bandaged limb, immobilising joints above and below the bite.

Step 6: Stay Put Until Help Arrives

Movement is your enemy here. Netflix and chill, minus the popcorn—do nothing except wait.

Pioneered In Australia

Did you know the Pressure Immobilisation Technique was pioneered in Australia in the late 1970s? Dr. Struan Sutherland developed PIT specifically for Aussie snakebites. Thanks to his research, countless lives have been saved across Australia—and worldwide!

Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even heroes mess up sometimes. Here’s what to watch for:

Bandage Too Loose: Won’t slow venom effectively. Adjust carefully if needed.
Bandage Too Tight: Avoid cutting off blood flow. Check regularly.

Bandage too tight? Watch out for these signs:

Discoloured toes or fingers
Severe pain or numbness
Delayed capillary refill (press nail bed; it should return pink in under 3 seconds)

Loosen slightly and reapply if needed. If issues persist, seek urgent medical advice while maintaining immobilisation.

Sucking Venom is a No-Go!

Forget what you’ve seen in movies! Cutting or sucking venom out of a bite doesn’t help—in fact, it can make things way worse. Venom spreads too quickly, and sucking the wound risks infection or spreading venom orally. Stick with PIT instead

Do note any identifying features if safely possible (but seriously, keep your distance).

Never wash the venom off—doctors use it for identification.

Don’t try to catch or kill the snake—you’re not Steve Irwin.

Taking immediate action when you spot signs of dehydration is critical. Here’s how to provide effective first aid:

Prevention Is Better Than Cure

Learn to recognise venomous snakes common to your area.

Always wear boots and long pants in bushy areas.

Carry a pressure immobilisation bandage during hikes or outdoor activities.

Pressure Immobilisation Bandaging for Snakebites: An Aussie Necessity

Yep, we Aussies are special, and our pressure immobilisation bandage is no different. Modern bandages feature handy compression indicators, ensuring optimal tightness—genius, right? Look for one of these if possible, but any elastic bandage will do in a pinch.

Did you know Australia has around 100 venomous snake species? That’s why applying a pressure bandage for snakebite correctly isn’t just useful—it’s crucial.

Funnel-web spiders, blue-ringed octopus, and cone shell stings also benefit from this technique. Each carries toxins capable of rapid harm, and PIT could mean the difference between a quick recovery and severe complications.

Sharpen Your Skills Today

Mastering pressure immobilisation bandaging is simple, practical, and potentially lifesaving. Keep a bandage handy—at home, in your car, and on outdoor adventures. Better yet, why not sharpen your skills further?

Ready to become a first aid hero? My First Aid Course Brisbane offers comprehensive, practical training on Pressure Immobilisation Technique and more. Our trainers keep it real, relatable, and refreshingly straightforward.

Book your spot today—because when seconds count, confidence in your skills matters. Let’s keep Australia safe, one pressure bandage at a time.

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