Why you need a Medical Snake Bite Kit
Reviewed by the Medibc First Aid Team — last updated May 2026.
Australia is home to about 140 types of land snakes and around 32 kinds of sea snakes. Of these, about 100 types of snakes are venomous. And out of this group of venomous Australian snakes, 12 species are likely to inflict a fatal wound. Included here are the brown snake, black snake, tiger snake, death adder, copperhead, taipans, rough-scaled snakes, and certain varieties of sea snakes.
The top three most venomous snakes in the world are all found in Australia — the Belcher's sea snake, inland taipan, and Eastern brown snake. Of the three, brown snake bites are more common.
Reasons to Have a Medical Snake Bite Kit
While the above data on Australian snakes is not meant to scare you, they could be reason enough to always keep a snake bite kit at home. It is not uncommon to find snakes in Australian households, particularly during breeding season when temperatures rise.
People who regularly go on caravan road trips or hiking parties can also benefit from snake bite kits. Since different snake species can be found all over the country, having the appropriate first-aid kit can make a difference in the case of a snake bite.
Types of Snake Bites
Most snake bites happen when people disturb snakes, whether deliberately or accidentally. There are two main types of snake bites:
Dry bites
With a dry bite, no venom is released. The majority of snake bites fall within this category. However, it’s hard to tell if no venom was injected, so all snake bites should be treated as medical emergencies. Dry bites are also painful and can lead to swelling and redness.
Venomous bites
When a snake inflicts a venomous bite, it releases venom into the wound. This venom contains poison that can leave the victim numb or stunned. In worst-case scenarios, venomous snake bites can cause paralysis and death. Approximately 550 snake bites happen each year in Australia. On average, two people die from venomous snake bites annually.
Since it’s hard to tell a dry bite from a venomous bite, look out for the following symptoms:
- Puncture wounds
- Swelling, bleeding, or bruising
- Severe pain in the bite area
- Anxiety, headaches, nausea, dizziness, confusion, blurred or double vision
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing
- Swollen/tender lymph nodes in the armpit or groin (same side as the bite area)
- Bleeding gums
- Abnormal skin sensations like tingling, burning, etc.
- Stomach pain
- Muscle weakness or paralysis
- Irregular heartbeat
- Loss of consciousness, coma, or death
These symptoms of venomous snake bites usually don’t manifest at the same time. This is why people are advised to treat all snake bites as medical emergencies.
Snake Bite First-Aid Kits
For everyone’s safety and peace of mind, every Australian should know how to treat a snake bite. Everyone should also have access to a snake bite first-aid kit. Having one on hand can make a world of difference, especially in the case of venomous snake bites.
In general, a snake bite first-aid kit would contain:
- Large-width bandages
- Pen or permanent marker
- Thermal reflective blanket
- Snake bite instruction/information sheet
There are different snake bite first-aid kits, and most are handy, lightweight, and compact enough to carry around.
Get Your Snake Bite First-Aid Kit from Medibc.com
Medibc.com is one of Australia’s major providers of first-aid kits and safety and medical supplies. We offer the following snake bite first-aid kits:
Survival Snake Bite Kit
The Survival Snake Bite Kit includes all necessities for snakebite first-aid treatment. The kit is contained in a lightweight, durable, water-resistant 600D Oxford polyester bag that can be attached to belts, backpacks, hiking and camping gear, and mountain bikes. You can store it in your caravan or 4WD as well.
Price: $63.59
Snake Bite First Aid Kit
The Snake Bite First Aid Kit is a basic set in a soft, lightweight case. The case can be mounted on belts, making it a highly portable option.
Price: $20.16
Snake Bite Emergency Kit
The Snake Bite Emergency Kit is a variation of the basic set, with additional triangular and heavy-duty crepe bandages. First-aid materials are also kept in a compact soft kit.
Price: $30.85
If you need a snakebite kit or any emergency medical supplies, please visit our website.
Snake Bite First Aid Kits
Pressure-immobilisation snake bite kits for bushwalkers, 4WDers, and rural Australians.
Frequently asked questions
What should be in an Australian snake bite kit?
The Australian Resuscitation Council (ANZCOR Guideline 9.4.8) recommends: two heavy crepe pressure immobilisation bandages (10-15cm wide, minimum 2.1m long each), one elastic conforming bandage, a triangular bandage, a splint (rigid material for limb immobilisation), a marker pen (to mark the bite site through the bandage), and clear written instructions. Kits should be stored in any bush, farm, or remote workplace location.
Are commercial snake bite suction devices effective?
No. The Australian Resuscitation Council and major Australian toxicology authorities explicitly do NOT recommend suction devices, cutting, or 'snake bite kits' that promise venom extraction. These methods are ineffective and can cause additional tissue damage. The only evidence-based Australian snake bite first aid is pressure immobilisation bandaging - which is why proper Australian snake bite kits contain bandages, not suction devices.
Where should you keep a snake bite kit?
Australian Workplace Health and Safety guidance recommends snake bite kits be kept: in farm vehicles and ute toolboxes, in remote workplace first aid stations, in hiking and bushwalking packs, in horse stables and rural sheds, in school camps and outdoor education kits. The kit must be accessible within 1 minute - apply pressure bandaging immediately after the bite, before transporting to help.
Sources: Australian and New Zealand Committee on Resuscitation (ANZCOR), healthdirect.gov.au, Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy (ASCIA), Safe Work Australia — First aid in the workplace.
