When someone gets bitten by a venomous snake, the most important thing is to keep them calm. Do not try to suck out the venom, squeeze the wound, or apply a tourniquet. Keep the victim lying still, limit movement, and get them to the nearest hospital as quickly as possible.
The idea of tying a tourniquet sounds logical to many people because they think it will “stop the venom from spreading through the body.” But this is a dangerous misconception that can lead to much more serious consequences.
When you tightly tie off the limb, both blood flow and the lymphatic system are blocked. This causes the venom to concentrate in that area for longer, significantly increasing local tissue damage. The result can be much more pain, severe swelling, blistering, necrosis, and a higher risk of losing tissue.
Moreover, when the tourniquet is loosened or removed, the accumulated venom can suddenly enter the bloodstream, causing the patient’s condition to deteriorate rapidly. Improper use of a tourniquet can also lead to nerve damage, muscle damage, and even compartment syndrome.
In short, what many people believe is helping can actually make the situation far worse.
There is another technique that is often confused with a tourniquet — the Pressure Immobilization Technique. This method is used in specific cases involving snakes with primarily neurotoxic venom, especially in Australia. It requires proper application and is not suitable for all types of snakebites.