WHAT WE SHOULD WHEN SNAKE BITES:
If you or someone else gets bitten by a snake, it's essential to act quickly and seek medical help immediately. Here's what you should do in the event of a snake bite:
1. Stay Calm: Try to remain calm and avoid panicking. Keeping a calm mind will help slow down the spread of venom through the body.
2. Move to a Safe Area: Move away from the snake to a safe location to prevent further bites or attacks. Make sure you and the victim are out of harm's way.
3. Call for Medical Help: Dial emergency services or call for medical assistance immediately. Inform them about the snake bite and provide any relevant details about the snake if possible (size, color, etc.). Follow their instructions.
4. Keep Still and Immobilize: Encourage the victim to stay as still as possible to slow down the spread of venom. Limit movement of the affected limb or area and keep it below the level of the heart. Immobilize the bitten limb with a splint or by tying a bandage above and below the bite site, if possible, to restrict venom flow.
5. Remove Constrictive Items: Remove any tight clothing, jewelry, or constrictive items near the bite area. Swelling can occur, and these items may impede circulation.
6. Do Not:
- Cut the wound: It does not help remove venom and can cause further injury.
- Apply ice or cold packs: This may worsen the tissue damage caused by snake venom.
- Apply suction to the wound: Traditional suction devices or attempting to suck out venom by mouth is not recommended.
- Apply a tourniquet: Tourniquets can cause severe tissue damage and are not effective for snake bites.
7. Monitor Vital Signs: Check the victim's breathing, heart rate, and other vital signs while waiting for medical help. If necessary, perform CPR or other life-saving measures if the person's condition deteriorates.
Remember, the most critical step is to seek immediate medical attention. Only medical professionals can administer the appropriate antivenom and provide the necessary treatment for snake bites. Time is of the essence, so it's crucial to get the victim to a hospital as quickly as possible.
DISEASES CAN CAUSE WHEN SNAKE BITES:
1. Envenomation: When a venomous snake bites, it can inject venom into the victim's body, leading to envenomation. The specific effects of envenomation vary depending on the snake species and the type of venom. Venom can affect the nervous system, cardiovascular system, blood clotting, and tissue damage, potentially leading to severe symptoms or even death if left untreated.
2. Local Tissue Damage: Snake venom can cause local tissue damage at the site of the bite. This can result in swelling, pain, blistering, bruising, necrosis (tissue death), or cellulitis (inflammation of the skin and surrounding tissues).
3. Hemorrhage: Some snake venoms contain components that disrupt blood clotting mechanisms, leading to internal or external bleeding. This can result in bleeding from the gums, nose, or other parts of the body.
4. Neurotoxicity: Certain snake venoms, such as those from cobras or kraits, can have neurotoxic effects. These toxins affect the nervous system and can lead to paralysis, difficulty breathing, muscle weakness, or vision problems.
5. Cardiotoxicity: Some snake venoms, like those from certain species of vipers or rattlesnakes, can have cardiotoxic effects. These toxins can impact the cardiovascular system, causing irregular heartbeats, low blood pressure, or heart failure.
6. Renal Failure: In some cases, snake venom can cause acute kidney injury or renal failure. This can occur due to the toxic effects of the venom on the kidneys or as a result of severe dehydration and low blood pressure caused by the snake bite.
7. Infection: Snake bites can introduce bacteria or other microorganisms into the wound, leading to secondary infections. Prompt medical attention and proper wound care are crucial to prevent or manage infections.
It's important to note that not all snakes are venomous, and non-venomous snake bites typically cause minimal harm, such as minor puncture wounds or scratches. However, it is always advisable to seek medical attention for any snake bite to assess the risk and receive appropriate treatment, even if the snake is presumed non-venomous.
TREATMENTS FOR SNAKE BITES :
Treatment for snake bites requires prompt medical attention and can vary depending on the severity of the bite and the type of snake involved. Here are some general guidelines for the treatment of snake bites:
1. Seek Medical Help: Call emergency services or go to the nearest hospital immediately. Medical professionals are trained to assess the situation, identify the snake species (if possible), and administer appropriate treatment.
2. Keep Calm and Immobilize: Encourage the victim to stay calm and limit movement as much as possible. Immobilize the affected limb or area, keeping it below the level of the heart to slow the spread of venom.
3. Remove Constrictive Items: Remove any tight clothing, jewelry, or constrictive items near the bite area to prevent swelling and impeded circulation.
4. First Aid: While waiting for medical help, administer basic first aid measures if you are trained to do so. This may include:
- Clean the wound: Use mild soap and water to gently clean the bite area to reduce the risk of infection.
- Apply a clean, sterile dressing: Cover the bite with a clean, sterile dressing to protect it from contamination.
5. Monitor Vital Signs: Check the victim's breathing, heart rate, and other vital signs while waiting for medical help. If necessary, perform CPR or other life-saving measures if the person's condition deteriorates.
6. Antivenom Administration: In cases of venomous snake bites, the administration of specific antivenom is the primary treatment. Antivenom is a serum derived from animals that contains antibodies to neutralize the venom. It should be administered by medical professionals in a controlled environment.
7. Supportive Care: Depending on the symptoms and severity, additional supportive care may be provided, such as intravenous fluids to maintain hydration, pain management, and treatment for complications like infection or organ damage.
8. Tetanus Vaccination: Ensure that the victim's tetanus immunization is up to date. If not, a tetanus vaccine may be administered.
It is crucial to emphasize that snake bites are medical emergencies, and attempting to treat the bite yourself or relying on home remedies is strongly discouraged. Prompt medical attention is necessary to assess the situation, provide appropriate treatment, and minimize potential complications.
