There are a few principles to follow

1. Recognition of the snake
– this is important as the antivenom to administer depends on a correct identification.
– I suppose you can learn about the common snakes in your area or take a picture of the snake or draw it or if the adrenaline level is high and your neuronal function is a little numb from the events then you can try killing the snake.

2. Immobilisation
– the venom tends to spread rapidly mainly by way of lymphatic system
– application of bandages and splints as to immobilize the injured part and the patient is ultimately important.
– application of tourniquet should be sufficiently tight and not to the extent to prevent blood flow.
– Calm the patient down. Make sure you and the patient are in a safe area. Otherwise there will be two to treat.

3. Get to a nearby health facility early

4. The controversies

– Washing the wound
– some areas like in Australia they do not really recommend washing the wound as they can swab the wound for venom identification in their test kits. Others believe washing the wound would reduce the venom load. Personally I feel that washing increases movements and most of the venom is already deposited deep within the subcutaneous tissue.

- Cutting the wound and sucking the venom
– this is definitely not recommended anymore as the first rule in first aid is not to put oneself and your patient in danger. Drinking vinegar does not reduce the risk. But I notice many American based documents actually recommend suction without cutting and the special suction device kit for snake bites. Then again do we carry one everytime?

I wonder how many qualified first aiders carry a mask/face shield with them all the time? The face shield / mask is for mouth-to-mouth resuscitation and I keep one in the car and one in my wallet.