Editing Snakebite (section)

=== First aid ===
Snakebite [[first aid]] recommendations vary, in part because different snakes have different types of venom. Some have little local effect, but life-threatening systemic effects, in which case containing the venom in the region of the bite by pressure immobilization is desirable. Other venoms instigate localized tissue damage around the bitten area, and immobilization may increase the severity of the damage in this area, but also reduce the total area affected; whether this trade-off is desirable remains a point of controversy. Because snakes vary from one country to another, first aid methods also vary.{{citation needed|date=March 2023}}

Many organizations, including the [[American Medical Association]] and [[American Red Cross]], recommend washing the bite with soap and water. Australian recommendations for snake bite treatment are against cleaning the wound. Traces of venom left on the skin/bandages from the strike can be used in combination with a snake bite identification kit to identify the species of snake. This speeds the determination of which antivenom to administer in the emergency room.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.usyd.edu.au/anaes/venom/snakebite.html |title=Treatment of Australian Snake Bites |author=Chris Thompson |website=Australian anaesthetists' website |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070323132545/http://www.usyd.edu.au/anaes/venom/snakebite.html |archive-date=23 March 2007}}</ref>