Getting bitten by a venomous snake can be very scary, and can lead people to react in exactly the wrong way: Maybe they panic, try to catch or kill the snake, or apply ice or a tourniquet to the wound, which can be disastrous in certain situations.
So, what should we do in case we are bitten by a snake? In this article we will discuss what to do and what NOT to do in case a person is bitten by snake.
All snake bites require medical attention, even if the snake is nonvenomous. Proper wound care can help prevent infection and limit how severe the injury becomes.It is vital never to assume that a snake is nonvenomous without first consulting an expert. The mis classification of snake species could be fatal.
SYMPTOMS FOR SNAKE BITE:
Usually, people know right away if a snake has bitten them. However, these animals can strike quickly and disappear before people have time to react.
Most snake bites can cause pain and swelling around the bite. Those that are venomous may also cause fever, a headache, convulsions, and numbness. However, these symptoms can also occur due to intense fear following the bite.
WHAT TO DO:
- Get to an emergency room as soon as possible. Even if the bite isn't poisonous, you’re at risk of tetanus, a serious bacterial infection, if your shot isn't up to date.
- Move the limb where the bite happened as little as possible. This will help slow the spread of the venom.
- Take note of the snake’s appearance. Your description will help the doctor identify what bit you. (Your location will also be a clue.)
- Note the time the bite happened so the doctor knows how much time has passed.
- Remove any jewelry around the area of the bite before swelling begins.
- Use Tylenol for pain, if needed.
WHAT NOT TO DO:
- Do not pick up the snake or try to wrap it up or kill it, as this will increase the chance of getting another bite. Even a dead snake is able to bite.
- Do not apply a tourniquet.
- Do not cut across the site of the bite marks.
- Do not try to suck out the venom.
- Do not apply ice.
- Do not immerse the wounded area in water.
- Do not drink beverages with caffeine.
In most cases, it is necessary to remain in the hospital for up to 24 hours in order to monitor blood pressure and overall health.
Snakebite
Snakebite envenoming is a potentially life-threatening disease caused by toxins in the bite of a venomous snake. Envenoming can also be caused by having venom sprayed into the eyes by certain species of snakes that have the ability to spit venom as a defence measure.
Inadequate past efforts to control snakebite envenoming has produced fragmented, inaccurate epidemiological data. Many victims do not attend health centres or hospitals and instead rely on traditional treatments. However, available data show 4.5–5.4 million people get bitten by snakes annually. Of this, 1.8–2.7 million develop clinical illness and 81 000 to 138 000 die from complications.
High-risk groups include rural agricultural workers, herders, fishermen, hunters, working children, people living in poorly constructed houses and those with limited access to education and healthcare. Morbidity and mortality occur most frequently among young people and children suffer higher case fatality. Furthermore, women experience increased barriers to accessing medical care in some cultures and pregnant women are extremely vulnerable.
An ongoing crisis restricting access to safe, effective antivenom treatment in many regions, and particularly sub-Saharan Africa, is one factor that contributes to the predisposition for seeking help through traditional medicine.
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