Pressure Immobilization Technique

1. First Aid Essentials Slideshow Pictures
2. First Aid Bandaging Injuries Slideshow Pictures
3. First Aid Sprains & Strains Slideshow Pictures

Medical Author:

Steven Doerr, MD

Steven Doerr, MD

Steven Doerr, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Emergency Medicine Physician. Dr. Doerr received his undergraduate degree in Spanish from the University of Colorado at Boulder. He graduated with his Medical Degree from the University Of Colorado Health Sciences Center in Denver, Colorado in 1998 and completed his residency training in Emergency Medicine from Denver Health Medical Center in Denver, Colorado in 2002, where he also served as Chief Resident.

View Full Profile

Medical Editor:

Jerry R. Balentine, DO, FACEP

Jerry R. Balentine, DO, FACEP

Dr. Balentine received his undergraduate degree from McDaniel College in Westminster, Maryland. He attended medical school at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine graduating in1983. He completed his internship at St. Joseph's Hospital in Philadelphia and his Emergency Medicine residency at Lincoln Medical and Mental Health Center in the Bronx, where he served as chief resident.

View Full Profile

• Pressure Immobilization Overview
• Pressure Immobilization Technique
• Pressure Immobilization Pictures
• Synonyms and Keywords
• Author and Editor

Pressure immobilization is a term used to describe the application of a pressure device and immobilization to an affected extremity (arm or leg) after a bite in order to delay the systemic absorption of venom. This technique slows the lymphatic flow, and thus decreases the body's uptake of venom. This first aid temporizing measure is implemented until definitive care and management can be provided at the nearest health care facility.

The idea of pressure immobilization was initially introduced in Australia in the 1970's to prevent the dissemination of the neurotoxin released by snakes from the Elapidae family. This neurotoxin, which does not typically cause localized tissue death (necrosis), can lead to generalized muscle weakness and ultimately respiratory arrest.

In 2010, the American Heart Association and the American Red Cross published their latest first aid guidelines which recommend the use of properly performed pressure immobilization following snake envenomations. Within the toxicology community, however, these general guidelines have been controversial for certain snakebites. Toxicologists argue that in the United States, many snakebite envenomations are from Crotalidae, such as rattlesnakes, copperheads and cottonmouths, whose bites predominantly cause local tissue necrosis. Toxicologists believe that by applying pressure immobilization after Crotalidae snakebites, localized tissue destruction is increased by entrapping and sequestering the venom. Consequently, most toxicologists currently do not recommend the use of pressure immobilization for North American Crotalidae envenomations. Pressure immobilization is never indicated in nonsnake envenomation. Anytime pressure immobilization is applied the patient needs to be transported to a health care facility.

Must Read Articles Related to Wilderness: Pressure Immobilization Technique

Animal Bites Many different types of animals ranging from dogs and cats to hamsters, raccoons, ferrets, and squirrels can bite adults and children. Many times, bites are fro...learn more >>

First Aid First aid is an important skill to learn in case of emergencies. Learn how to prevent injuries, when to seek urgent care for injuries, what to stock in a first ...learn more >>

First Aid Kits Information about what you need in a first aid kit for your home, travel, and how to gather all of the necessary supplies to be prepared for a medical emergency...learn more >>

See the Entire Wilderness: Pressure Immobilization Technique Topic Guide »