There are various misconceptions on what to do right after sustaining snake bites. It is not recommended to suck or cut the venom out. Being ready and knowing what to do can reduce the risk for other complications.
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Immediate action for snake bites
- It is vital to stay calm and do not panic. Always bear in mind that snake bites are not usually serious.
- Take note of the snake’s size, shape and color.
- Keep the affected limb as still as possible to prevent further spread of the venom all over the body. You can also secure the body part with the bite in a sling or a splint. Just make sure the splint or sling is not tight that it limits the flow of blood.
- Any jewelry or watches must be removed since they might damage the skin if the affected limb starts to swell.
- Do not attempt to remove any clothing but simply loosen them up if possible.
It is vital to stay calm and do not panic. Always bear in mind that snake bites are not usually serious.
What NOT to do
If an individual sustained a snake bite, the following should not be done.
- Attempt to cut the venom out of the bite site
- Suck out the venom from the bite site
- Rub or apply anything into the wound or apply heat, ice or chemicals
- Try to catch or kill the snake
- Apply anything around the affected limb to stop the spread of the venom such as a tourniquet, tight pressure band or ligature. These will not help and can even cause swelling even if there is no venom injected. In addition, it can also damage the limb that can result to amputation.
When to seek further care
If an individual sustained a snake bite, it is best to bring him/her to the nearest emergency department or call for emergency assistance. In most cases after a bite, it is vital to stay in a hospital for a short period of time for observation in case symptoms develop that suggests the injection of venom.
As a precautionary measure, the individual has to stay in the hospital at least 24 hours so that the blood pressure and general health is closely monitored. Anti-venom is an antidote to snake venom that are utilized in treating severe cases of snake bites.
Close look on anti-venom
Anti-venom is produced by injecting a small amount of the snake venom into a large animal, usually a horse. The immune system of the animal generates antibodies. These are the proteins that adhere onto toxins and capable of neutralizing them. The antibodies are extracted from the animal, decontaminated and stockpiled until needed.
In some individuals, anti-venom can trigger a severe reaction or anaphylaxis, thus it is vital to closely monitor an individual after receiving this form of treatment. Due to the risk for anaphylaxis, the anti-venom must only be administered by a healthcare professional.
In circumstances in which the snake bite is severe and the blood pressure has dropped significantly, intravenous fluids are needed. In addition, a blood transfusion is also required if a lot of blood has been lost.