Snake bites should be cut or sucked to remove venom

What the research found

Victorian health guidance says to seek medical attention after any snake bite, and not to cut the puncture site or try to suck out the venom. It says pressure bandaging and keeping the limb still slows venom spreading through the body's lymph system.

The World Health Organization says treatments such as cutting into the wound, cutting out tissue, suction and "black stones" should be avoided. It says people bitten should get to a health facility without delay, where antivenom can be given early.

A 2026 systematic review of children's snakebite in sub-Saharan Africa linked severe outcomes, including death, amputation and permanent disability, with delayed hospital presentation and certain traditional first aid practices. Another 2026 systematic review looked at harmful traditional practices in children's snakebite, noting that poor first aid often marks the time before hospital.

What it doesn’t mean

• This does not mean a bite can be ignored. Any snake bite needs urgent medical attention, and in an emergency call triple zero (000).
• Children can be hit harder by venom because of their smaller bodies, so getting help early matters even if the child looks well.
• For advice after a bite, the Victorian Poisons Information Centre (13 11 26) is listed in the guidance, and a GP or child health nurse can talk through first aid planning.