Snake Bite First Aid: Remember These Warning Signs & Precautions

Snake bites are potentially life-threatening emergencies that require immediate attention and proper first aid. It is crucial for everyone to be aware of how to respond to snake bites as this can make a huge difference in the outcome. In this article, let us discuss the warning signs of a snake bite and essential precautions to take to minimize the risk and ensure effective snake bite first aid.

Snake bites, in most cases, occur when humans inadvertently disturb or provoke a snake, leading to defensive strikes. Venomous snakes inject venom into their prey or predators through their fangs. While not all snake bites are venomous, it is crucial to treat every snake bite as a potential medical emergency. Venomous snake bites can lead to severe symptoms and complications if left untreated. For the best insights on snake bite first aid, follow DocTube.  

Warning Signs of a Snake Bite

Pain and Swelling

Immediate pain and swelling around the bite area are common symptoms (Reid, H.A. and Theakston, R.D.G., 1983. The management of snake bite. Bulletin of the World Health Organization, 61(6), p.885). The severity of pain and swelling can vary depending on factors such as the type of snake and the amount of venom injected.

Puncture Marks

One of the most obvious signs of a snake bite is the presence of puncture wounds from the snake's fangs. However, not all snake bites leave visible marks, especially if the bite occurs through clothing or if the fangs do not penetrate deeply.

Redness and Bruising

The skin around the bite may become red and bruised due to inflammation and internal bleeding caused by venom (Motawei, S.M., 2019. A snake bite case: The value of timely diagnosis and treatment).

Nausea and Vomiting

Venomous snake bites can lead to systemic symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, dizziness and weakness.

Difficulty Breathing

In severe cases, snake venom can cause respiratory distress, leading to difficulty breathing or shortness of breath (Pucca, M.B., Knudsen, C., S. Oliveira, I., Rimbault, C., A. Cerni, F., Wen, F.H., Sachett, J., Sartim, M.A., Laustsen, A.H. and Monteiro, W.M., 2020. Current knowledge on snake dry bites. Toxins, 12(11), p.668).

Changes in Heart Rate

Venom can affect the cardiovascular system, leading to changes in heart rate, irregular heartbeat or low blood pressure.

Snake Bite First Aid and Precautions

Stay Calm

In the event of a snake bite, staying calm is crucial to prevent panic, which can elevate heart rate and increase venom absorption.

Move Away from the Snake

If possible, move away from the snake to prevent further bites. Remember to identify the snake if it's safe to do so, as this information can help medical professionals administer appropriate treatment.

Keep the Bite Area Immobilized

Immobilize the bitten limb or body part to slow down the spread of venom (Ahmed, S.M., Ahmed, M., Nadeem, A., Mahajan, J., Choudhary, A. and Pal, J., 2008. Emergency treatment of a snake bite: Pearls from literature. Journal of emergencies, trauma, and shock, 1(2), pp.97-105.). Avoid unnecessary movement to prevent venom from spreading more quickly through the bloodstream.

Remove Constrictive Clothing and Jewelry

Remove any constrictive clothing, jewelry or accessories near the bite area, as swelling may occur.

Do Not Apply Ice or Tourniquet

Contrary to popular belief, applying ice or a tourniquet to the bite area can do more harm than good (SINMAZ, T. and Akansel, N., 2018. ASSESSMENT OF FIRST AID APPLICATIONS THAT PRESENT ON WEB PAGES ACCORDING TO THE LATEST GUIDELINES. International Journal of Health Services Research and Policy, 3(2), pp.61-72.). Ice can exacerbate tissue damage, while a tourniquet can restrict blood flow, leading to tissue death.

Clean the Wound

To minimize the risk of potential infection, it is crucial to wash the bite area with clean water and soap. Avoid cutting the wound or attempting to suck out venom, as these methods are ineffective and can cause further harm.

Seek Medical Help Immediately

Regardless of whether the snake is venomous or non-venomous, seek medical assistance immediately. Call emergency services or transport the victim to the nearest healthcare facility for prompt evaluation and treatment.

Ensure Vital Signs Monitoring

While waiting for the medical assistance to arrive, it is crucial to monitor the vital signs of the individual (Punde, D.P., 2005. Management of snake-bite in rural Maharashtra: a 10-year experience. National Medical Journal of India, 18(2), p.71). This must include breathing, pulse rate and overall consciousness. It is also important to be prepared for CPR administration if needed.

Snake bites can pose serious health risks, but knowing how to recognize the warning signs and administer proper first aid for snake bite can improve the chances of a positive outcome. Remember to stay calm, immobilize the bitten limb and seek medical help promptly. By taking appropriate precautions and knowing how to respond effectively to a snake bite, you can help ensure the safety and well-being of yourself and others in snake-prone environments.

FAQs

Is it okay for a person to drink water or have food after a snake bite?

Ans. It is advisable to dissuade the person from eating food or drinking water in order to keep the metabolism at a low rate.

What are some of the most common warning signs of a snake bite?

Ans. The most common warning signs of a snake bite are redness, bruising, swelling, bleeding and blistering around the bite area. There may also be severe pain and tenderness in the area as well as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and in severe cases, major breathing difficulties.