The Health department has arranged anti snake venom at all government hospitals from taluk hospitals upwards, in view of the possibility of increased incidence of snakebites in the aftermath of floods.
Director of Health Services R.L. Saritha said in the event of a snakebite, the patient should be rushed to the nearest general/district or medical college hospital. The directive issued by the department for first aid following a snakebite says the patient should be kept calm and immobile on a flat surface and the wound should be washed with soap and water. Care should be taken that the patient is not agitated or stressed. There is no need for a tourniquet above the wound that could cut off blood supply and lead to tissue necrosis.
The patient should be taken to the hospital without wasting time searching for the snake. The antivenom is the same for all snakebites, contrary to popular belief. The Health Department has also warned people to be on guard against fake messages on social media and said Hammer heads (‘chattukathalayan’ in local parlance) are not dangerous as is being propagated.
