A dedicated snake bite first aid kit provides the bandages, splint and instructions needed to begin pressure immobilisation first aid while waiting for emergency medical assistance.
Snake bite first aid is time-critical. Whether you are working outdoors, travelling between sites, camping or living near bushland, the right equipment needs to be clearly labelled, easy to access and ready to use.
This guide explains what is in a snake bite kit. It provides general first aid information only and does not replace formal first aid training or medical advice.
What Is in a Snake Bite Kit?
A snake bite kit should contain equipment that supports the pressure immobilisation technique and helps keep the affected limb still.
The most important items are:
- Broad pressure immobilisation bandages
- A suitable splint
- Triangular bandages
- Disposable gloves
- A permanent marker
- Clear snake bite treatment instructions
The kit should be stored in a clearly labelled pouch or bag so it can be identified quickly during an emergency.
Why Should a Snake Bite First Aid Kit Include Indicator Bandages?
Pressure immobilisation bandages are the most important items in a snake bite first aid kit.
Indicator bandages have printed markings that change shape as the bandage is stretched. This helps the first aider apply more consistent pressure along the affected limb.
The bandage is applied firmly over the bite area and then wrapped along the limb. The limb should then be immobilised with a splint.
Do Workplaces Need a Snake Bite First Aid Kit?
Whether a workplace needs a dedicated snake bite kit depends on its first aid risk assessment. A workplace snake bite kit is worth considering where workers, contractors or visitors may be exposed to:
- Bushland or scrub
- Long grass
- Garden beds
- Paddocks and rural properties
- Creeks, dams and waterways
- Outdoor storage areas
- Timber, pallets and building materials
- Excavation or disturbed ground
- Parks and sporting fields
- Remote or isolated work locations
Snake bite kits are particularly relevant for construction, landscaping, civil works, councils, utilities, farms, outdoor education, sports grounds and mobile service teams.
Snake Bite Kits for Construction Sites
Construction sites may present an increased risk of snake encounters because excavation, land clearing, landscaping and the movement of building materials can disturb natural shelter areas.
Snakes may shelter around:
- Timber and pallets
- Pipes and stored materials
- Rubble and debris
- Site sheds
- Long grass
- Drains and trenches
- Temporary fencing
- Disturbed ground
Construction businesses should consider placing a Workplace Snake Bite Kit in the site office, main first aid station or supervisor vehicle.
Snake Bite Kits for Vehicles and Mobile Workers
Mobile workers may spend much of their day away from the workplace’s main first aid kit.
A Basic Snake Bite Kit is a practical addition to:
- Trade utes
- Service vehicles
- Landscaping vehicles
- Council vehicles
- Supervisor cars
- Rural sales vehicles
- Maintenance vehicles
- Field inspection vehicles
The kit should be kept in a consistent, clearly identified location and should not be buried underneath tools or equipment.
What to Do if a Snake Bite Occurs
For any suspected snake bite:
- Call Triple Zero on 000 immediately.
- Keep the casualty lying down, calm and completely still.
- Do not allow the casualty to walk.
- Apply a firm pressure bandage over the bite area.
- Continue bandaging along the affected limb.
- Immobilise the limb using the splint.
- Mark the approximate bite location on the outside of the bandage.
- Record the time of the bite and bandage application where possible.
- Keep the casualty under constant observation.
- Begin CPR if the casualty becomes unresponsive and is not breathing normally.
Do not remove the pressure bandage after it has been applied. Leave it in place until medical professionals take over.
What Not to Do After a Suspected Snake Bite
Avoid these common mistakes:
- Do not wash the bite site
- Do not cut the wound
- Do not suck the bite
- Do not apply an arterial tourniquet
- Do not apply ice directly to the bite
- Do not try to catch or kill the snake
- Do not allow the casualty to walk
- Do not remove the pressure bandage
- Do not delay calling Triple Zero
The casualty should be kept as still as possible while waiting for emergency services.
Where Should a Snake Bite First Aid Kit Be Stored?
A snake bite kit should be stored where it can be reached quickly without requiring the casualty to move.
Suitable locations include:
- Site offices and site sheds
- Work utes and service vehicles
- Landscaping trailers
- Maintenance vehicles
- First aid stations
- Groundskeeper sheds
- Warehouse offices near outdoor areas
- Construction lunchrooms
- Outdoor equipment stores
- Caravans and camping vehicles
- Home garages and entry areas
For larger workplaces, more than one snake bite first aid kit may be needed.
How Many Snake Bite Kits Does a Workplace Need?
There is no single number that suits every workplace.
Consider additional kits where:
- Workers are spread across multiple areas
- Teams work away from the main building
- Vehicles regularly leave the site
- Staff work outdoors for long periods
- Workers operate alone or in small groups
- The workplace is near bushland, paddocks or waterways
- Emergency services may take longer to arrive
- The site has several separate work zones
The number and location of kits should reflect the workplace’s hazards, layout and response time.
How Often Should a Snake Bite Kit Be Checked?
A snake bite first aid kit should be inspected regularly, even when most of its contents do not have short expiry dates.
Check that:
- The kit is in its assigned location
- The pouch or bag is clearly labelled
- Indicator bandage(s) is present
- Bandage packaging is sealed and undamaged
- Gloves are sealed and in good condition
- The treatment card is included
- The permanent marker works
- The thermal blanket is sealed, where included
- The notebook and pencil are present, where included
- No items are missing, damaged or contaminated
Useful times to inspect the kit include:
- During scheduled first aid kit servicing
- Before the warmer months
- Before remote or outdoor projects
- During workplace safety inspections
- After a site relocation
- When vehicles change drivers or teams
- After the kit has been opened
- After a suspected snake bite incident
Opened, used or damaged items should be replaced promptly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is in a snake bite kit?
A snake bite kit usually contains broad pressure immobilisation bandages, a splint, triangular bandages, gloves, a permanent marker and treatment instructions. Workplace kits may also include a thermal blanket, gauze, notebook and pencil.
What is the most important item in a snake bite first aid kit?
Broad pressure immobilisation bandages are the most important items. They are used to apply firm pressure over the bite and along the affected limb.
How many bandages should a snake bite kit contain?
A dedicated kit should contain at least two suitable broad bandages because one bandage may not be enough to cover an entire adult limb.
Does a snake bite kit replace a normal first aid kit?
No. A snake bite kit is a specialised addition that should complement a general workplace, home or vehicle first aid kit.
Should every work vehicle have a snake bite kit?
Vehicles used by outdoor, rural, construction, landscaping, council or field service workers should be considered during the workplace first aid risk assessment. A vehicle kit can be valuable when workers are away from the main workplace.
Where can I buy a snake bite first aid kit?
Sydney First Aid Supplies offers Basic and Workplace Snake Bite Kits for homes, vehicles, outdoor activities and businesses across Sydney.
Choose the Right Snake Bite First Aid Kit
A snake bite kit is a relatively small addition to your first aid setup, but it provides important equipment when every minute matters.
Choose the:
- Basic Snake Bite Kit for personal, vehicle and outdoor use
- Workplace Snake Bite Kit for businesses, worksites and teams
Sydney First Aid Supplies can also include snake bite kits in scheduled workplace restocking visits, helping businesses keep their first aid equipment stocked, visible and ready for use.
Shop our first aid kits or contact Sydney First Aid Supplies for help choosing the right option for your home, vehicle or workplace.