If medical help is on the way, avoid unnecessary manipulation of the affected area. If a clean, dry dressing is appropriate under the local emergency protocol, it can be placed loosely over the wound without squeezing the limb.
Some clinical protocols may have specific instructions about washing or not washing the bite, particularly where medical teams may need to collect venom traces for identification. Therefore, follow the advice of emergency personnel rather than applying a universal home treatment.
Never pour chemicals, alcohol, herbal liquids, or other substances into the wound.
A small puncture wound does not mean the injury is minor. The most important danger may be the venom's effects inside the body, not the appearance of the skin.
CHAPTER 8: NEVER CUT THE WOUND OR TRY TO SUCK OUT THE VENOM
One of the most persistent myths about snake bites is that venom can be removed by making an incision and sucking it out.
This method has been shown to be ineffective and may cause additional harm.
Cutting the wound can lead to unnecessary bleeding, tissue damage, infection, and further injury. It also wastes valuable time that should be spent arranging medical treatment.
Sucking the wound with the mouth is not an effective way to remove venom from the body. Venom can spread beyond the immediate bite area, and attempting to extract it does not reverse the effects that may already be developing.
Commercial suction devices marketed for snake bites should not be treated as a reliable solution either.
The World Health Organization specifically advises against wound incision, suction, and other traditional methods that have not been proven effective.
The same warning applies to squeezing, burning, or applying irritating substances to the bite.
A person who has been bitten needs professional medical assessment, not an improvised procedure.
CHAPTER 9: WHY A TIGHT TOURNIQUET CAN MAKE THINGS WORSE
When someone sees a snake bite, they may immediately reach for a belt, rope, scarf, or piece of fabric.
Their intention is usually to stop venom from spreading through the body.
Unfortunately, tying a tight band around the affected limb can create serious complications.
A tourniquet may restrict blood flow to tissues below the band. If it remains in place, the affected area may suffer from inadequate circulation.
This can lead to severe pain, tissue injury, nerve damage, and, in extreme circumstances, tissue death.
A tourniquet may also create additional problems when medical professionals need to assess the injury and manage the effects of the venom.
The idea that tightly blocking circulation will safely trap all venom in one place is misleading.
Do not tie a rope, belt, wire, or narrow strip of cloth above the bite.
If someone has already applied a tourniquet, do not make repeated adjustments or attempt complicated treatment without medical guidance. Contact emergency services immediately and tell them what has been done so that trained personnel can advise on the safest next step.
The important lesson is that immobilization does not mean cutting off blood circulation.
CHAPTER 10: DO NOT APPLY ICE, HEAT, OR ELECTRIC SHOCK
Another common mistake is applying ice or heat to the bite site.
Some people believe that cold temperatures can slow venom activity. Others try heated objects or burning substances in an attempt to destroy the venom.
Neither approach is a safe substitute for medical treatment.
Applying ice can injure the skin and underlying tissues. It does not neutralize venom inside the body.
Heat can also cause burns and additional tissue damage.
Electric shock treatments have no established role in safely reversing snake envenoming and may cause serious harm.
Do not immerse the bitten limb in ice water. Do not place heated metal, hot stones, or burning materials against the wound.
Avoid chemical treatments, including substances that may irritate or damage the skin.
Keep the person comfortable and focus on the measures that matter: stillness, immobilization, emergency transport, and professional assessment.
CHAPTER 11: RECOGNIZE THE WARNING SIGNS OF SNAKE ENVENOMING
Symptoms vary depending on the snake species, the amount of venom injected, the location of the bite, and the person's health.
Some symptoms may develop locally around the wound. Others may affect the entire body.
Local warning signs may include:
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Increasing pain around the bite.
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Swelling that spreads along the affected limb.
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Redness or bruising.
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Blistering.
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Bleeding or unusual discharge.
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Darkening or damage to the surrounding skin.
General warning signs may include:
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Nausea or vomiting.
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Dizziness or faintness.
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Severe weakness.
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Sweating or unusual salivation.
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Abdominal pain.
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Headache.
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Unusual bleeding or bruising.
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Changes in vision.
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Drooping eyelids.
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Difficulty speaking or swallowing.
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Muscle weakness or paralysis.
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Difficulty breathing.
Some of these symptoms can indicate serious effects on the nervous system, blood clotting, circulation, or other organs.
Difficulty breathing, inability to swallow, collapse, or reduced consciousness are particularly urgent signs.
If the person becomes unconscious but is breathing normally, follow emergency dispatcher instructions. If they are vomiting and can be safely repositioned, the recovery position may help reduce the risk of choking.
If they are not breathing normally, emergency resuscitation may be required. Follow the instructions of emergency medical personnel and begin CPR if trained and indicated.
Do not wait for symptoms to become severe before seeking care. A person may need hospital observation even when early symptoms are absent.