There are reportedly 2,50,000 venomous snake bites a year in India, of which, it is estimated that at least 50,000 are fatal.
Symptoms
Snake bite leaves a characteristic mark of a single or double fang
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Pain and swelling at site or the entire limb
Frothing or drooling
Nausea, vomiting
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Abdominal pain
Muscle rigidity (stiffness) and fever
Difficulty in breathing
Rapid pulse
Person may become drowsy, dizzy and may lose consciousness.
Do’s
Ask the person to sit still and activate emergency services.
Reassure the victim.
Immobilise to stop the spread of venom. Keep the affected part below heart level.
Apply a compression bandage across the entire affected limb starting just above the bite and wrap towards the body.
Wrap the bandage one finger loose to slow the spread of venom but not restrict circulation in the affected area.
Check responsiveness.
If person becomes unresponsive but is breathing, put him/her in recovery position. If person is not breathing, start CPR.
Get to hospital immediately for the anti-venom shot.
Don’ts
Do not apply ice
Do not cut through the wound.
Do not suck blood from the bitten area.
Do not use a tourniquet.
Do not try to catch the snake as this can lead to additional victims.
Extract from Medical Emergency Handbook, VIVO Healthcare, Rs.199.
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This article has been corrected for a typo error.