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The approximate time of the bite.
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The location of the bite on the body.
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The person's age and general condition.
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Any symptoms that have appeared.
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Whether the person is having difficulty breathing, swallowing, speaking, or staying awake.
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The location where the bite occurred.
If you are in a remote area, explain the exact location and the safest route to reach the injured person.
Do not allow the victim to drive themselves. Pain, fear, weakness, dizziness, or sudden deterioration can make driving extremely dangerous.
If possible, have another person contact the receiving hospital while transport is being arranged. This gives the medical team an opportunity to prepare for assessment and emergency treatment.
Remember: the purpose of first aid is not to treat venom poisoning at home. It is to keep the person as safe and stable as possible until professional care is available.
CHAPTER 4: KEEP THE INJURED PERSON CALM AND STILL
Fear is a natural reaction to a snake bite. The injured person may believe they are going to die, especially if the snake looked frightening or someone nearby begins shouting.
However, panic can lead to unnecessary movement, rapid walking, and poor decisions.
Speak slowly and reassuringly.
Tell the person that help is being arranged and that they need to remain as still as possible. Avoid making frightening predictions or repeatedly discussing the possibility of death.
If the person is conscious, encourage them to breathe normally and avoid moving the bitten limb.
Help them sit or lie down in a comfortable position. Support the affected arm or leg with a padded object or splint if this can be done without causing additional movement or pain.
A splint can be made from a suitable rigid object, such as a padded board or folded material, provided it is applied gently and does not interfere with circulation.
Do not force the limb into an uncomfortable position. Do not massage it or repeatedly examine the wound.
The injured person should remain as still as practical during transport.
This step matters because unnecessary movement may increase the spread of venom, depending on the type of snake and the venom involved.
Calm reassurance is not merely emotional support. It helps the injured person cooperate with the people providing assistance and reduces the risk of harmful reactions.
CHAPTER 5: REMOVE RINGS, WATCHES, AND TIGHT CLOTHING
One important step is often overlooked: remove anything that may become restrictive as swelling develops.
Snake bites can cause swelling around the affected area. Sometimes the swelling spreads quickly from the bite site into the surrounding limb.
A ring that fits comfortably before the bite may become painfully tight. A watch, bracelet, anklet, or tight sleeve may also restrict circulation as the tissues swell.
Carefully remove:
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Rings.
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Watches.
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Bracelets.
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Anklets.
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Tight shoes or footwear.
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Tight clothing around the affected area.
Do this gently and as early as possible, before significant swelling occurs.
If a ring is already stuck, do not pull aggressively or injure the skin trying to remove it. Seek medical assistance.
Avoid applying pressure while removing these objects. The goal is to prevent constriction, not to squeeze the injured limb.
Do not use a tight cord, belt, rope, or narrow strip of cloth to tie above the bite.
A tight tourniquet can damage tissues and interfere with blood circulation. It is not a safe substitute for proper medical treatment.
CHAPTER 6: IMMOBILIZE THE BITTEN LIMB
Keeping the affected limb still is one of the most important first-aid measures recommended by the World Health Organization.
If the bite is on the hand or arm, support the arm and limit movement. A sling may help keep it comfortable.
If the bite is on the foot or leg, avoid walking. Support the limb and use a splint if appropriate.
The splint should prevent unnecessary movement without being so tight that it restricts circulation.
Do not repeatedly bend the injured joint to test whether it still moves. Do not ask the victim to walk around to see whether they feel weak.
The less unnecessary movement, the better.
However, there is an important distinction between immobilization and pressure immobilization.
A pressure immobilization bandage is a specialized technique used in certain regions for bites from particular types of snakes, especially some snakes whose venom primarily affects the nervous system and causes little local tissue damage.
It is not appropriate for every snake bite.
Some snakes cause substantial local tissue injury. Applying a pressure bandage incorrectly or using it when it is unsuitable may worsen damage.
For this reason, do not automatically wrap every snake bite tightly with an elastic bandage. Follow the local medical protocol and instructions from trained emergency personnel.
For most people providing basic first aid, the safest general approach is to keep the person and affected limb still, support the limb, and arrange urgent transport to a medical facility.
CHAPTER 7: WHAT ABOUT CLEANING AND COVERING THE WOUND?
A snake bite may leave one or more small puncture wounds. The area may be painful, swollen, or bleeding.
People sometimes attempt to scrub the wound, squeeze it, apply disinfectants, or use strong chemicals in the hope of removing the venom.
These actions should be avoided.
Do not squeeze or massage the bite. Do not press repeatedly on the puncture marks. Do not attempt to force venom out of the wound.