The Pressure Immobilization Method
Used to slow down absorption of venom.
Should be used on some bites and stings and not on others.
DO NOT USE
Pressure Immobilization Method for following (from AVRU):
bites by redback spider, other spiders including mouse spiders and white tailed spiders, scorpions, centipedes,
stonefish and other fish stings, Bluebottle jellyfish, other jellyfish,
Hymenopterans (bees, wasps and ants) in non-allergic individuals, Australian beetles.
USE
Pressure Immobilization Method on the following from eMedicine and AVRU:
suspected funnel web spiders (Australia), blue ringed octopus (Requires free registration. You will be directed), cone shells, sea snake,
severe stings box jellyfish Requires free registration. You will be directed. (on box jellyfish, do vinegar treatment first), snake bites (all Australian species),
coral snake,
cobra (use controversial),
most venomous U.S. snakes (use controversial), Check it out for rattlesnakes, copperheads and cottonmouths/water moccasins
Australian Paralysis Tick
Bees, wasps and stinging ants to allergic individuals
Three major things to remember in use of pressure immobilization:
Wrap bandages snugly not tightly over as much of the affected limb as possible to slow down movement of venom in lymphatic system not in the blood stream. Blood flow in the wrapped finger,
arm or leg must be allowed to move freely or serious damage could result.
Do not remove the wrapping until examination and proper precautions by medical authority. Removal suddenly increases flow of venom into the system.
Put splint over the bandage to reduce "pumping effect" of muscle movement. DO NOT attempt to remove clothes from around bite since this will increase spread of venom.
Rules to Follow From Informtion provided by Dr. Struan K. Sutherland
"Research stresses the importance of keeping the patient still. This includes all the limbs.
DO NOT wash the bitten area. The type of snake involved may be identified by the detection of venom on the skin. If the snake can be safely killed, bring it to the hospital with the victim.
Bring transport to the patient if possible.
DO NOT cut or excise the bitten area.
DO NOT apply an arterial tourniquet. (Arterial tourniquets, which cut off the circulation to the limb, are potentially dangerous, and are no longer recommended for any type of bite or sting in Australia.)
[Even during transport] Note: - Note: Even if the bitten or stung person is ill when first seen, the application of pressure-immobilisation first aid may prevent further absorption of venom from the bite or sting site during transport to hospital.
[Do not remove] If the bandages and splint have been applied correctly, they will be comfortable and may be left on for several hours. They should not be taken off until the patient has reached medical care..."
Additional Background and technique on Pressure Immobilization Method
ARVU page on Pressure Immobilization Method
