Bitten by a Snake? Here’s What You Must Do Quick

Snake bites can be dangerous, especially in villages and areas with farms or forests. But experts say that knowing what to do right after a bite can help save lives. The first few minutes are very important. If the wrong steps are taken, the condition of the person may get worse. But if the right help is given fast, the person can recover well. Below are simple steps and safety tips that can help during a snake bite emergency.

Stay Calm and Call for Help Quickly

If someone is bitten by a snake, the first thing to do is stay calm. Do not panic. Help the person sit down or lie flat. Ask them not to move too much, especially the part that got bitten. Movement can spread the venom faster through the blood. Call an ambulance or get help to reach a hospital quickly. If help is far, try to move the person slowly without shaking the body too much.

Remove Tight Items and Keep the Bite Area Still

Check if the person is wearing any rings, bracelets, watches, or tight clothes near the bite area. These should be removed gently because the area may swell. Swelling can make tight items press on the skin and block blood flow. Try to keep the bitten body part lower than the heart. This slows the venom from moving to other parts of the body and gives more time for treatment.

Clean the Wound but Don’t Touch It Too Much

Wash the bite area gently with clean water and mild soap if available. Do not rub or press the area. After washing, cover the wound loosely with a clean cloth or bandage. This protects the wound from dirt and germs but still allows blood to flow properly. Do not tie the area tightly or try to block the blood.

Avoid Common but Harmful Mistakes

Some people try to suck out the venom or cut the skin. These are old methods that can cause more damage or infection. Do not use ice or cold packs because they can harm the skin and slow blood flow. Do not give the person anything to eat or drink, not even water or alcohol. Do not give any medicine unless a doctor says it is safe. Do not use tourniquets (tight ropes or bands) to block the area. This can lead to serious injuries.

Try to Remember the Snake’s Appearance

If it is safe, try to remember how the snake looked. What was its size, color, or shape? A photo taken from a safe distance can help the doctor give better treatment. But never try to catch the snake, even if it looks dead. Snakes can still bite again. Move away carefully and focus on getting help.

Get Medical Help as Soon as Possible

Take the person to the nearest hospital right away. Do not delay. Share all the details with the doctor, when the bite happened, where it happened, and what the snake looked like. If needed, doctors will give antivenom, which is medicine that fights snake venom. Antivenom works best when given within six hours of the bite. Stay with the person and help keep them calm.

How to Avoid Snake Bites

Snake bites can often be prevented with simple care. Wear boots and long pants when walking in fields, forests, or tall grass. Do not put your hands into holes, rocks, or wood piles. Snakes hide in such places. At night, use a torch or light when walking outside. Most snakes come out after dark. If you see a snake, do not go near it. Give it space and walk away slowly.

Quick Action Can Save Lives

Snake bites are serious, but they can be treated. The most important steps are staying calm, not doing anything harmful, and getting the person to a hospital quickly. Knowing these steps and following them correctly can make the difference between life and death.