What to Do When Snake Bites: Summer First Aid Tips
Like humans, snakes tend to be more active during summer. And chances are, if both happen to be in the same place and the same time, either one gets hurt. Oftentimes, though, it’s the humans that get the bad side of the deal.
Each year, nearly 8,000 people are bitten by venomous sna
First Aid for Snake Bite
Attend to the person quickly. Snake bites are often deadly; so quick reaction and right thinking are important.
Move the victim to safety. It might be possible that the snake is still at the area and may cause further harm.
Do not elevate the bite above the heart level.
Call emergency help or ask someone to call for help.
Remove any jewelry or tight fitting clothing from the extremity to prevent swelling which can result to tissue death.
Wash the bite with soap and warm water.
Try to keep the person immobilized as much as possible. Too much movement accelerates blood circulation and further worsens the effects of the venom.
Do not cut or suck the bitten area. Cutting can cause infection. Sucking the venom out doesn’t do any good either. Do not use tourniquet.
Keep the area of the bite below the heart level.
If possible, identify the snake that caused the bite. Do not catch the snake. If you the name, at least identify how it looks or take the picture of the snake for identification at the hospital.
Continuously check the vital signs of the victim.
If emergency help doesn’t come within 30 minutes, American Red Cross recommends wrapping a bandage 2-4 inches above the bite to slow the venom. Make sure that the bandage is not tight enough to cut off the flow of blood
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