Snake Bite:

Treatment

• Keep the victim calm and still.
• Keep the affected area below the level of heart, so as to contain venom locally.
• Wash hands thoroughly or put on the latex gloves before attending the wound.
• If the bite is not bleeding, wash the wound well with mild soap and water and pat dry with clean swabs or other non-fluffy material.
• If the bite is actively bleeding, control the bleeding by applying direct pressure with a clean and dry cloth until the bleeding subsides.
• Remove any of the constricting items.
• Lightly compress the limb above the wound with a roller bandage.
• Immobilise the injury, immobilise an injured arm with a sling and an injured leg by binding it to the injured leg.
• If the patient stops breathing, be ready to resuscitate if needed.
• Observe the bite for signs of infection (increasing skin redness, swelling) and other vital signs (temperature, pulse, rate of breathing, blood pressure).
• If the area around the wound begins to swell and change colour, the snake was probably poisonous.
• Get medical help as soon as possible.

Warning

• Do not apply ice or a cold pack to snakebite because cold can cause the venom to spread further.
• Do not apply a Tourniquet such as a belt, necktie or cord.
• Do not slash the wound with a knife.
• Never try to suck the venom orally.
• Patient should never be put to strenuous physical exercises.
• Site of the bite should not be raised above the heart level.
• No stimulants or pain medicators should be taken without the prescription of the doctor.
• Removal of the dressing/elastic wraps to be avoided until you are at a facility ready and able to administer antivenom.
• Do not eat or drink unless told by the doctor.

Prevention

• Do not thrust hands or feet into any areas if you cannot see into the area.
• Avoid playing or picking up any snake unless you are properly trained.
• Wear long pants and boots if possible while hiking into an area known to have snakes.
• If given adequate warning, snakes will avoid coming near to you. Hence before entering an area with an obscured base, tap ahead with a walking stick.