Pressure Immobilisation Technique

The Pressure Immobilisation Technique (PIT)  is recommended for the application to bites and stings in the following creatures:

• • All Australian venomous snakes

• • Funnel Web Spiders
  • Blue Ringed Octopus

• Cone Shell

The PIT is not recommended for the first aid of:

• Other spider bites including redback spider
• Jellyfish stings
• Fish stings including stonefish bites
• Stings from scorpions, centipede or beetles

Correct Management of Pressure Immobilisation Technique:

If the victim is bitten or stung on a limb, apply a broad pressure bandage over the bite site as soon as possible. Elasticated bandages (10-15cm wide) are preferred over crepe bandages, if neither are available, clothing or other material should be used. The bandage should be firm and tight – you should be unable to easily slide a finger between the bandage and the skin.

In order to further restrict lymphatic flow and to assist in immobilisation of the limb, apply a further pressure bandage, commencing at the fingers or toes of the bitten limb and extending upward covering as much of the limb as possible. The bandage should be applied over existing clothing. The purpose of this bandage is to further restrict lymphatic flow and assist immobilisation.

Splint the Limb including joints on either side of the bite, to restrict the limb movement. The splint material can be incorporated under the layers of the bandage. For the upper limb, use a sling. Keep the victim calm and the limb completely at rest. Call for medical help and wait for them to arrive. If you are unable to obtain urgent help, apply local pressure if possible.

ALWAYS REMEMBER:

• DO NOT cut or excise the bitten area, or attempt to suck venom from the bite site
• DO NOT wash bitten area
• DO NOT apply an arterial tourniquet