b'Chapter hapteressure ImmobilisationCategory 1 - PrSnake BiteAustralian snakes are among the most venomous in the world. There are about 3,000 reported snake bites per year however, only about 4 to 6 result in death. The family of brown snakes causes the greatest number of deaths but others including the death adder, tiger snake and taipan have inflicted fatal bites. If prompt and correct first aid is given, most patients survive because specific snake anti-venom is normally readily available.WHAT NOT TO DO:Do not wash or wipe any venom from the skin because a swab of the venom will assistwith snake identification.Do not elevate the bitten limb because this may circulate venom towards the heart.Do not cut the bitten area and suck venom from the wound.Do not use a tourniquet because this will cut off all circulation.Do not allow the patient to walk as this tends to circulate more harmful venom.Do not attempt to catch and trap the snake or kill it because medical servicesdo not rely on visual identification of the snake species.Do not remove clothing as this will promote the movement of the venom intothe blood stream.Do not remove the bandage and splint once it has been applied.Funnel Web SpiderMost spider bites are painful rather than dangerous. A sharp stinging pain is felt followed by moderate inflammation, swelling and soreness.The funnel web spider venom however, is life threatening and effects may occur within 10 minutes. It can kill a child within this time or an adult within a few hours. It is a large dark spider approximately 3cm long and is mainly found in Sydney and Northern New South Wales. It is also found in Victoria (known as the Alpine Funnel Web) around Bright, Omeo and in mountain areas. Anti-venom is available for the funnel web spider.Blue Ringed Octopus, Cone Shell and Sea SnakeBites and stings from these marine animals are often extremely serious and in some cases can be lethal if not treated quickly. Children are particularly at risk. The injected venom causes paralysis of the muscles, which leads to breathing difficulty or severe allergic reaction.Blue Ringed Octopus species are found around the Australian coastline. The Cone Shell and Sea Snake species are located in tropical coastline areas.Bites and Stings 155'