The Australian Pressure Immobilisation method of First
Aid
This method of first aid was developed after clinical and laboratory experience
showed that most venom seemed to be transported from the bite site, to the rest
of the body, in lymphatic vessels. The technique is designed to slow or stop
flow in lymphatic vessels in the bitten limb. It can only be used on limbs,
NOT on the body, neck or head. While local pressure over the bite site, then
the rest of the bitten limb is an important part of the first aid, it is probably
immobilisation of the bitten limb which is crucial to the success of this first
aid technique.
In Australia, where venom detection from the skin is an important hospital
test, it is vital that the bite area is not washed of cleaned in any way.
The technique for pressure immobilisation first aid is as follows:
If the bite is on a limb, a broad bandage (even torn strips of clothing or
pantyhose) should be applied over the bitten area at moderate pressure (as for
a sprain; not so tight circulation is impaired), then extended to cover as much
of the bitten limb as possible, including fingers or toes, going over the top
of clothing rather than risking excessive limb movement by removing clothing.
The bitten limb should then be immobilised as effectively as possible using
an extemporised splint or sling.
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