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<< Actually, no, it's not. However, mouth suction is no longer suggested because it's dangerous. They actually have suction devices in snake bite kits now. >>
The suction devices are actually put into the kits because the 'suction' treatment method has become so ingrained into people's minds that they're going to do it anyway, so the kit might as well give them something to do it with. That's all. Suction devices are completely ineffective.
Venom gets distributed by the lymphatic system, it is extremely unlikely that a fang will manage to inject venom directly into a vessel, so uptake/distribution by the blood stream is a distant second to lymphatic concerns. A pressure dressing (Ace type bandage) wrapped along the limb starting proximal to the heart and wrapped toward the bite is recommended vs. a tourniquet for this reason, it doesn't take as much pressure to stop the lymphatics from flowing as it does the blood.
That and avoiding panic, keeping calm, and getting to a hospital where antivenom can be administered as soon as possible are the recommended treatment measures. >>
Pretty nice answer. The suction would only work if you did it after lancing the wound and within a few seconds, so it is pretty much useless. (not to mention if you have any cuts in your mouth, it is the same as getting bit in your mouth) The constricting bands are the best thing, like tcsenter said. Do not use a tourniquet because it keeps the toxins so localized you will get massive tissue necrosis, errr, death, and probably lose the limb.
I would rather not know how a person could get bit there in the first place. :Q