Its very interesting to read that different countries take different approaches to snake bite.

In Australia, for many years now, Pressure Immobilization has been the prefered treatment for all snake bites. Of course we have a lot of neurotoxic snakes here, and (I think) fairly high levels on en-venomation (ie even when a snake bites, it does not always inject venom, and the amount of venom can vary too).

I carry two (quality) compression bandages (and a couple of safety pins to secure them) to be used to apply pressure to the limb. Here's a copy of the "Crisis Card" which I carry with the kit:

Pressure-immobilisation
• REST and REASSURE the casualty
• BANDAGE FIRMLY, initially cover the bite site then cover the whole limb starting from fingers/toes
• IMMOBILISE limb.
• DO NOT wash the bite area
• DO NOT elevate the limb
• Call Ambulance on xxx or xxx from mobile
(Different numbers down here)


Here's a good Australian article on Pressure Immobilization, its well worth a read:
http://www.avru.org/compendium/biogs/A000066b.htm