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Pressure Immobilization Technique

The pressure immobilization method can be used for various bites and stings in which poison has been introduced into the body. The technique is designed to slow the blood flow to the area of envenomation by applying pressure to the skin over the bite or sting. Use this technique especially if medical attention is not available to the person within at least 2 hours following the envenomation.

Apply pressure to the bite or sting by placing a 1-inch-thick gauze pad or cloth directly over the wound. The pressure bandage may be held in place with a hand or elastic bandage. When wrapping an elastic bandage around the pad, check for adequate circulation in the fingers or toes. (Fingers or toes with adequate circulation have normal color and feeling.)

The pressure should be firm enough to press the pad into the skin but not so tight that blood circulation is stopped. For example, do not wrap tape completely around the limb because this may hamper circulation.

The pressure pack should be released within 8 hours or as soon as medical care is reached.

Another technique involves wrapping the arm or leg, not tightly, with an elastic bandage. This slows the absorption of the venom. Then splint the limb so the person is not able to move it. Use a sling if the bite is on the arm or hand.

Yet another option, if applied within 30 minutes of the bite, is to apply a constriction band (not a tight tourniquet) positioned proximally (toward the heart, away from the extremities) a few inches from the bite. In cases that involve swelling of the affected area, the band may need to be more proximally positioned to wrap ahead of the swollen area.