Did you know that the majority of snake bites are not venomous, but because patients go into a state of panic they put themselves at risk of severe danger? Here are some good tips about snake bite management.
Panicking increases blood circulation
It is important to remain calm. Panicking also increases blood circulation which could be detrimental.
Although research shows that a small percentage of bites are from venomous snakes, snake fangs are not sterile and therefore the puncture wounds can easily be infected. “This could lead to most commonly a condition called cellulitis. This is an infection of the tissue under the skin and depending on the bacteria involved, it can be serious and life-threatening.
Bites from potentially lethal snakes could cause traumatic injuries through tissue destruction or neurological problems. Smaller snakes, like Burrowing Asps, can cause swelling, pain, and tissue death (necrosis). Snake venom can kill by either causing the muscles to stop functioning which causes paralysis and suffocation. It can possibly cause the body to go into shock and the organs to shut down. It can also in some cases cause you to bleed uncontrollably which will cause your death.
Snake Bite Management. What to do?
- Place the patient at rest, do not allow walking/exercise unless in immediate danger.
- Reassure the patient. With early first aid and hospital care, snake bites are rarely fatal.
- Apply a bandage to the area as this limits lymphatic drainage. Immobilize the limb if possible to limit movement (splint).
- Give analgesia but avoid aspirin.
A medical practitioner will be able to assess the likelihood of the bite being venomous, the depth of the bite, and the possibility of underlying structure damage, for example, tendon sheaths or joint spaces that may have been penetrated. A booster tetanus injection may be required as this is a serious life-threatening condition that is easily preventable through vaccination.
- Do not wash or cut the wound or try to suck out the venom.
- Do not use home remedies or ointments.
- No ice, heat packs, or electrical shocks should be used.
- Alcohol and aspirin should be avoided.
- Do not apply a tourniquet.
If you see a snake, try to get away from it. If you are more than two body lengths away from the snake, walk around it. If you are closer than that, freeze and try to determine which direction the snake is moving in. Try another direction for yourself. If the snake is approaching, a quick exit is safer.
Join us and Get First Aid CPR AED Certified.
If you wanna learn how to respond to nosebleeds amongst many other medical emergencies, you are welcome to join our American Heart Association® First Aid CPR AED course at our academy in Silom Bangkok. You will receive an international certification that is valid for 2 years. For more information about this course please click here or call us at 02-405-4840 or email us at sales@bangkokfirstaid.com