Bandage technique
On the proper way to bandage - I have been taught multiple ways (by the same first aid company in different years) and it appears to be what ever is in fashion at the time.
The only common feature was to go down to the tip of the limb and then back up. The bandaid idea is a good one, I have never heard that before, its usually taught that you start at the bite site, work your way down and then back up. By starting at the bite site its easy for the hospital staff to try and identify the venom as they know the exact place it was. In my mind the bandaid would be even better or you can mark an "X" with some chain grease? I was taught that the down then up way was something to do with the way things travel through the lymphatic system. But I would probably say as long as its compressed, you have marked the bite site for venom analysis and get them to a hospital as fast as you can then you'd be golden.
You do need to cover the whole limb - hence carrying a few bandages, especially important for riders who tend to have more developed leg muscles.
This is a great topic - and a great tip about the 112 number, though it doesn't actually work everywhere. There are still some black spots in this country where nothing but a satellite phone will work.
"If you are using a GSM mobile phone in Australia, you will be connected to police, fire or ambulance when you dial Triple Zero (000). As GSM is an international standard, the international emergency call number 112 will also connect you to the Emergency Call Service. 112 can be dialled:
In any area covered by the GSM network - when you are out of your service provider's coverage area but are in another carrier's mobile phone network coverage area, your call will be carried on the other carrier’s network; from anywhere overseas where there is GSM service coverage - the call will be automatically transferred to that country's emergency number; and without having to key in a Personal Identification Number (PIN) to unlock your keypad. In many new GSM handsets, Triple Zero (000) is programmed into the firmware as an emergency number. In these handsets, Triple Zero (000) provides the same features as 112, that is, the call will use any available GSM network to reach the Emergency Call Service, regardless of whose network you are accessing. For this reason Triple Zero (000) should be dialled first.
Basically if the area has GSM coverage from any provider you can call 112 - even if it’s not your provider. If there is no GSM coverage then your mobile is useless.
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