How To Survive a Snake Bite and First Aid Do's and Don'ts

Snake bites can be fatal, so you must be aware of the do's and don'ts to increase your chances of survival, especially when a venomous snake attacks you. Here are some things you need to know to survive a snake bite.

How to Treat a Snake Bite Without Medical Help

If you are left to treat yourself or someone from a snake bite, here's a tip from St. John. You should apply a pressure bandage and immobilize the area bitten.

1. Lie the victim down and keep them still.

2. If the bitten area is on the limb, apply an elasticized roller bandage (10 to 15 cm wide) over the bite sites as soon as possible.

3. Apply a further elasticized roller bandage (10-15 cm wide) just above the fingers or toes and move upwards on the bitten limb as far as can be reached. Apply the bandage as firmly as possible to the limb so you can't slide a finger between the bandage and the skin.

4. Immobilized the bandaged limb using splints.

5. Write down the time of the bite and when the bandage was applied. If possible, mark the location of the snake bite on the skin with a pen or photograph the area.

6. Although you can wash the area, St. John advised you to leave it as is because it can assist in identifying the snake.

First Aid for Snake Bite Do's and Don'ts

If you are alone or a snake bites someone with you, and you must wait for medical help, which may take minutes or an hour to arrive, here are some things you can do. Take note of the do's and don'ts from Work Care and CDC to ensure your safety.

Do's

1. Move out of striking distance. Make sure that you are away from the snake.

2. Stay calm.

3. Call 911 or local emergency medical services immediately. Do not wait for symptoms to occur.

4. Be prepared to describe the snake - its color, body shape, and head - to help the experts identify the snake and determine if it's venomous.

5. The victim should rest in a position with the bitten area below heart level.

6. Clean the wound with soap and water using a damp cloth.

7. Cover the wound with a clean, dry bandage or dressing.

8. A non-constricting split may be used to immobilize affected an affected limb.

9. Loosen tight clothing and remove jewelry in case of severe swelling.

10. Let the victim drink water to keep them hydrated.

11. Take caution even if the snake is dead because it is still dangerous. A snake can still bite for several hours after dying.

Don'ts

1. Attempt to catch the snake

2. Cut open a bite wound

3. Suck out the venom

4. Apply a tourniquet or ice

5. Immerse the wound in water

6. Wait for symptoms to appear before getting medical help

7. Drink alcohol as a painkiller

8. Take pain relievers like aspirin, ibuprofen or naproxen

9. Apply electric shock or folk therapies

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