Pressure-immobilisation

The pressure-immobilisation first aid technique was developed in the 1970's by Professor Struan Sutherland. Its purpose is to stop the venom from spreading from the bite site into the circulation. This is effectively "buying time" for the patient to reach medical care. Research has shown that very little snake venom reaches the bloodstream if firm pressure is applied to the bitten area and if the limb is immobilized (kept still). Pressure-immobilisation was initially developed to treat snakebite, but it is also applicable to bites and stings by some other venomous creatures. It is currently recommended for most life threatening venomous bites and stings in Australia.