Snake-bite first aid

The snake-bite first aid protocol is presented below:

Suck out venom

Make incision to bleed out venom

Go to traditional healers or anything similar

Try out home remedies

Apply tourniquets

Apply ice

Clean out the bitten part

Try and catch/kill the snake

All of the above activities either do not work or are extremely dangerous to perform. In fact, they will do more harm than good.

Following is what you can and should do:

+ Make sure the victim and others are at a safe distance away from the snake; do not attempt to capture the snake, get the victim and others away from the snake

+ Try to memorize the snake’s appearance (from a safe distance!)

+ Remove watches / rings / other jewelry from the bitten part

+ Keep the victim calm and reassured, do not panic, as trivial as it may sound, it makes everything from the victim's ability to deal with the situation to your ability to make decisions better

+ Try to immobilize the bitten limb; do not make the victim run and avoid making him/her walk if possible
+ In case of neurotoxic bites (All elapids and hydrophiids: Cobras, King cobras, kraits, coral snakes and sea snakes), pressure immobilization (Sutherland method) (see image below) with long crepe or other stretchy bandage (5 - 10 cm wide, several rolls) and splint to be applied immediately to the bitten limb, starting at the digits and working up to the groin or arm pit.

+ Do not waste any time and arrange for a quick transport to the nearest hospital treating snake-bite cases, as safely and comfortably as possible

+ If possible, note the time of bite and progression of symptoms

+ Describe the snake and the whole incident to the attending doctor

*Anti Snake Venom Serum is the only cure*

If your neighborhood has a high density of snakes, it is advisable to prepare a snake-bite protocol (plan of action in case of an emergency) best suited to you. This can simply be important contact people and numbers who should be informed first, name / address of nearest hospital treating snake-bites, best mode of transport and related details, name / contact no. of doctor, etc. Make sure all family members understand their role in an emergency.

Pressure immobilization (Sutherland method)

Prevention is always better than cure:

+ Education: Know your local snakes, know the sort of places where they like to live and hide, at what times of year, at what times of day/night or in what kinds of weather they are most likely to be active
+ Be especially vigilant about snake bites after rains, during flooding, at harvest time and at night
+ Try to wear proper shoes or boots and long trousers, especially when walking in the dark or in undergrowth. Always check footwear before wearing them!
+ Use torch / flashlight when walking at night
+ Avoid snakes as far as possible, including snakes performing for snake charmers. Never handle, threaten or attack a snake and never intentionally trap or corner a snake in an enclosed space
+ Take great care when clearing vegetation, raking dry leaves in outdoors
+ If at all possible, try to avoid sleeping on the ground
+ Keep young children away from areas known to be snake-infested
+ Avoid or take great care handling dead snakes, or snakes that appear to be dead.
+ Keep your backyard free of junk and make sure your solid waste is managed properly
+ If you see a snake, do nothing; let it go. Do not try to pick it up or kill it.
+ If a snake has entered your premises, call professional snake catchers.


*Snake-bite is painful, expensive, and extremely risky. Please do not get bit.*


Stay safe!


__