immediate or delayed pain at the bite site
swelling, bruising or local bleeding
bite marks (usually on a limb) that may vary from obvious puncture wounds to scratches that may be almost invisible
swollen and tender glands in the groin or armpit of the bitten limb
faintness, dizziness
nausea and vomiting
headache
abdominal pain
oozing of blood from the bite site or gums
double or blurred vision
drooping eyelids
difficulty in speaking or swallowing
limb weakness or paralysis
difficulty in breathing
What to do Pressure bandage & immobilise 1 Follow DRSABCD. 2 Call triple zero (000) for an ambulance. 3 Lie the patient down and ask them to keep still. Reassure the patient.
Use clothing or other material if an elasticised roller bandage is not available.
Apply the bandage as firmly as possible to the limb. You should be unable to easily slide a finger between the bandage and the skin.
6 Immobilise the bandaged limb using splints. 7 Keep the patient lying down and completely still (immobilised).
8 Write down the time of the bite and when the bandage was applied. If possible, mark the location of the bite site (if known) on the skin with a pen, or photograph the site. Do not wash venom off the skin or clothes because it may assist identification. 9 Stay with the patient until medical aid arrives.
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