Snake Bite First Aid in WA (What To Do Immediately)
Snake sightings and encounters rise across Western Australia every year — especially during summer, bushwalking season and around backyard areas.
From tiger snakes to dugites, WA is home to several venomous species, and knowing the correct First Aid can be lifesaving.
Here’s exactly what to do if someone is bitten.
⭐ 1. Stay Calm — Panic Increases Venom Spread
After a bite, the body pumps venom faster if the person:
Runs
Panics
Moves excessively
Keep the casualty calm, still, and reassured.
⭐ 2. Call 000 Immediately
Tell the operator:
“Snake bite”
Exact location
Symptoms
Whether the snake was seen
Do NOT attempt to catch or kill the snake.
⭐ 3. Use the Pressure Immobilisation Technique (Life-Saving)
This is the ONLY proven First Aid for Australian snake bites.
✔ Step 1: Apply a broad elastic bandage
Begin at the bite site and wrap firmly down the limb, then all the way up.
Bandage should be as tight as a sprained-ankle wrap — not cutting off circulation.
✔ Step 2: Immobilise the limb
Use a splint:
Sticks
Rolled towels
Tent poles
A piece of timber
Anything to keep the limb from moving.
✔ Step 3: Keep the person still
Movement spreads venom.
Do NOT let them walk.
⭐ 4. Do NOT Do These (Common Mistakes)
❌ Do NOT wash the bite
Important venom clues are on the skin for hospitals to test.
❌ Do NOT cut the bite
This causes further injury.
❌ Do NOT suck the venom
This is a myth and dangerous.
❌ Do NOT remove the bandage
Leave it until paramedics are ready.
❌ Do NOT apply a tourniquet
This damages tissue and is unsafe.
⭐ 5. Symptoms of Snake Bite Poisoning
Early symptoms:
Sweating
Headache
Nausea
Pain at bite site
Serious symptoms:
Difficulty breathing
Drooping eyelids
Paralysis
Collapsing
Confusion
Abnormal bleeding
Call 000 if ANY of these appear.
⭐ 6. Snake Bite Prevention Tips (WA-Specific)
Wear boots and long pants when bushwalking
Keep lawns short
Store pet food away
Seal gaps under doors
Use a torch at night near sheds or yards
Never reach into dark holes or long grass
Snakes are more active in warm conditions and near water sources.
⭐ 7. Why Training Matters
Snake bite treatment is taught in all major First Aid courses — and the pressure immobilisation technique is hands-on, meaning you need to practice it to get it right.
At All Ages First Aid Training Rockingham, we teach:
HLTAID009 Provide CPR
HLTAID011 Provide First Aid
HLTAID012 Childcare First Aid
Including demonstrations of snake bite bandaging and real-life scenarios.
⭐ Be Ready for WA Snake Season
If you are looking to buy a life-saving snakebite kit, we do have them in store. Just CLICK HERE
Learn the skills that save lives.