Snake Bite Bandages: No, not Top to Bottom! Here’s Why
Ok, let’s talk about something that’s been on my mind me lately – snakebite first aid. I keep hearing the same question in class, and it’s time to set the record straight. When we show students how to properly bandage a snakebite, people keep asking, “Why do we bandage from the bottom of the limb to the top for snakebites? Isn’t the venom being pushed up?” At first glance it seems logical, but there’s more to it.
Let me tell you how it works,
You see, when you bandage a limb, no matter which way you go you’re actually clamping down on the venom and stopping its flow. So then, why not start at the top and work your way down?” Well, sure, it might seem that way at first, but trust me, that’s not the best approach.
Here’s the thing – when you go from top to bottom, you’re putting a lot of pressure on the extremity of the limb. And let me tell you, that’s not a comfortable feeling. It’s like having a blood pressure cuff that’s way too tight, and it’s squeezing the life out of your arm or leg. And when you’re uncomfortable, what do you do? You move around, wriggling trying to find a more comfortable position or stretch. But guess what? All that moving around is actually making things worse.
When you move an injured limb, even if it is pressure bandaged you’re essentially helping the venom spread faster and that’s exactly what we don’t want to happen.
So, by starting at the bottom and working your way up, you’re not only stopping the venom from spreading, but you’re also making the whole experience a lot more comfortable for the person who’s been bitten. And when you’re dealing with a snakebite, comfort is key. The last thing you want is for the person to be squirming around in pain, making the situation even worse.
Now, I know some of you might be skeptical about this whole bottom-to-top thing. But trust me, it’s not just some random technique that someone made up on a whim. It’s backed by science and years of research. In fact, if you head over to our Snakebite First Aid Hub, you’ll find plenty of articles that go into even more detail about why this method works and how it can save lives.
So, the next time someone tries to tell you that bandaging from the bottom to the top is wrong, you can set them straight. And if they still don’t believe you, just send them over to our hub – we’ve got all the evidence they need to see the light.
Hey there! I’ve been a first aider since 2012, eventually becoming a first aid trainer and writer. When I’m not writing first aid articles you can find me birding and listening to jangle pop.
