DISCLAIMER: The information provided in this article about first aid for snake bite is for general informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. The techniques and procedures described may not be suitable for every situation, and snake bites should be treated as a medical emergency. The author and publisher do not assume any liability for any injury or damage that may result from the use or misuse of the information contained in this article.
Although rare, snake bites may occur unexpectedly while venturing in to the wilderness. If not treated properly and quickly, they can pose a significant risk. Therefore, it's important to be prepared and know what to do in case of an emergency. In this article, we will discuss some important steps you can take to prepare for a bite emergency.
Before You Go For An Adventure...
1. Contact The Nearest Hospital or Clinic Beforehand
Before you head out, check if the nearest hospital or clinic in your destination has the capability to treat venomous snakebites or not. Knowing this information can help you to act quickly and avoid a potentially life-threatening situation. You can ask your doctor or healthcare provider about this or do some research online to find out the nearest hospitals or clinics that provide such services.
2. Keep Emergency Numbers Handy
Have the numbers of the nearest hospital, ambulance, police, barangay or emergency responders on hand. Make sure you have these numbers saved in your phone or written down in a visible place in case of an emergency. It's also a good idea to have a first aid kit ( with pressure-immobilisation bandage) on hand in case you need to administer basic care before help arrives.
3. Learn How To Identify Potentially Harmful Snake Bites
Not all snake bites are equal. While some may result in harmless bites, others can be potentially dangerous and require prompt medical attention..
4. Take Preventive Measures
Prevention is always better than cure.
Prepare ahead of time and take preventative measures to reduce the chances of a snake bite.
If Someone Got Bitten...
1. Remain calm
Stay calm and provide comfort to the patient. Doing so can slow down the spread of venom throughout the body. Move away from the snake and avoid making any sudden or jerky movements.
2. Immobilize the whole body.
Minimize the movement of the patient by keeping them as still as possible. It is recommended to have the patient lie down to avoid any walking or moving around. Staying still can help slow down the spread of venom in their body. This is because the lymphatic system, which is responsible for draining fluids from the body, needs muscle movement to help move lymph fluid through the vessels. If a person is still, there is less muscle movement, which can slow down the movement of the venom through the lymphatic system.
3. Apply a firm bandage to the bite area
Wrap the bite area with a firm bandage (ideally a wide elastic bandage, if available) using adequate pressure. If you don’t have any bandages on hand, use clothing, stockings, towels or other similar items.
Immediately wrap the snakebite area with a firm bandage to help slow the spread of venom by compressing the lymphatic vessels around the bite area. However, it is crucial to AVOID THE FOLLOWING ACTIONS:
- Cutting the bite wound and trying to suck out the venom
- Burning the bite wound
- Using a tourniquet on or beside the bite wound
- Using hot or cold packets on the bite wound
- Rubbing, pinching or massaging the bite wound
- Applying herbs or chemicals
Such actions can introduce harmful infections, intensify venom absorption, and exacerbate local bleeding.
4. Start transporting the patient to the nearest hospital as soon as possible
Call for an ambulance or transport the patient to the nearest hospital as soon as possible for treatment. To avoid the patient getting exhausted, it is advisable to carry them instead of making them walk.
Focus on seeking medical attention quickly instead of trying to identify the snake. Attempting to identify it may take time and necessitate getting too close to the snake, increasing the risk of more bites.
While En Route To The Hospital...
1. Call the hospital in advance
To ensure the victim receives prompt and effective treatment, it's recommended to contact the hospital while en route and provide them with information about the situation. This will help the hospital prepare in advance for the victim's arrival, improving their chances of a favorable outcome.
2. Prevent choking
If the patient begins to vomit, move the patient to a position where they are less likely to choke on their vomit.
3. Closely monitor the patient
Closely monitor the victim's breathing and be prepared to administer CPR or rescue breathing if necessary. Quick action can save lives.
Unless you're absolutely sure that the bite came from a non-venomous snake, every snake bite should be treated as a medical emergency, and every second counts. Do not delay. Bring the patient to the nearest hospital as quickly as possible to avoid further complications.
The first aider's main task is to slow down the spread of venom (reassuring and immobilising the patient, and bandaging the bite wound) until they reach the hospital.
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