Billy said:
I'm pretty sure that it has to go directly into the bloodstream via fangs or if you got it into an open wound etc.
This is a fairly common misconception with Australian snakes. I used to think the same but after years of occupational & industrial first aid training that has a focus, for our worksite, on snake bite due to remoteness, occurrence & sightings I now know better.
Everyone has heard the old suck the venom out, cut it & bleed it etc. etc. but never try any of these with an Australian snake bite. It works on American & other snakes as their venom is different but will not work on Australian snake venom & could also make the rescuer ill.
Australian snake venom travels within our lymphatic systems, meaning direct injection into the bloodstream is not required, before the toxins enter our blood stream. This means that immobilisation & compression is a must to stop/slow it spreading throughout our lymphatic system & prevent the toxins from entering our bloodstream - the more we move the more our lymphatic system will move venom around our bodies & the quicker it will enter your bloodstream. If bitten you should always try to remain as calm & as still as possible. It is recommended that all outdoors type people carry at least 3 x large compression bandages with them which is enough to immobilise & compress a bite on the largest limb (our legs). If the bite is on the chest, head or back firm pressure should be maintained, as much as possible, to the bite area. Read up on first aid if you don't know how to apply a compression bandage etc.
NEVER WASH THE AREA - THE MEDICS WILL NEED TO SWAB IT WITH A SNAKE VENOM ID KIT TO ENSURE YOU GET THE CORRECT ANTI-VENOM IF REQUIRED. (only about 10% of people bitten/apparent bites actually need anti-venom as they are either dry bites or the bites haven't penetrated).
A good read:
http://www.anaesthesia.med.usyd.edu.au/resources/venom/snakebite.html
Good denim jeans & sturdy boots should suffice without the need for gaiter's, but its a personal thing I guess & they also keep burrs etc out. Snake gaiter's were more developed for American markets as their snakes have larger fangs to get into the bloodstream whereas ours have smaller fangs because they only require to break the skin to deliver venom to the lymphatic system.
I have lived in country areas all my life & have only ever seen 6 live snakes in the wild. 3 of those were on the road & the other 3 were in just as big a hurry to get away from me as I was from them :lol:. Don't know if I've just been lucky or my stumbling around in the bush scares em off but I'll keep my $90 bucks & just stick to long pants & good boots
.