Editing Snakebite (section)

=== Pressure immobilization ===
{{Further|Pressure immobilization technique}}
[[File:Bundesarchiv Bild 135-KA-01-019, Tibetexpedition, Melken einer Schlange.jpg|thumb|right|A [[Russell's viper]] is being "milked". Laboratories use extracted snake venom to produce [[antivenom]], which is often the only effective treatment for potentially fatal snakebites.]]

As of 2008, clinical evidence for [[pressure immobilization]] via the use of an [[elastic bandage]] is limited.<ref name="Currie2008">{{cite journal | vauthors = Currie BJ, Canale E, Isbister GK | title = Effectiveness of pressure-immobilization first aid for snakebite requires further study | journal = Emergency Medicine Australasia | volume = 20 | issue = 3 | pages = 267–270 | date = June 2008 | pmid = 18549384 | doi = 10.1111/j.1742-6723.2008.01093.x | s2cid = 40768561}}</ref> It is recommended for snakebites that have occurred in Australia (due to [[elapids]] which are neurotoxic).<ref name="Walker2013">{{cite journal | vauthors = Patrick Walker J, Morrison R, Stewart R, Gore D | title = Venomous bites and stings | journal = Current Problems in Surgery | volume = 50 | issue = 1 | pages = 9–44 | date = January 2013 | pmid = 23244230 | doi = 10.1067/j.cpsurg.2012.09.003}}</ref> It is not recommended for bites from non-neurotoxic snakes such as those found in North America and other regions of the world.<ref name="Walker2013" /><ref name="ACM2011" /> The British military recommends pressure immobilization in all cases where the type of snake is unknown.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Wall C | title = British Military snake-bite guidelines: pressure immobilisation | journal = Journal of the Royal Army Medical Corps | volume = 158 | issue = 3 | pages = 194–198 | date = September 2012 | pmid = 23472565 | doi = 10.1136/jramc-158-03-09 | s2cid = 22415445}}</ref>

The object of pressure immobilization is to contain venom within a bitten limb and prevent it from moving through the [[lymphatic system]] to the vital organs. This therapy has two components: pressure to prevent lymphatic drainage, and immobilization of the bitten limb to prevent the pumping action of the [[skeletal muscle]]s.{{citation needed|date=March 2023}}