What To Do And Not To Do When Bitten By A Snake
Whether you're in your own backyard or out in the wilderness, being bitten by a snake is a scary experience to go through.
Snake bites can be deadly if not treated quickly. Children are at higher risk for death or serious complications due to snake bites because of their smaller body size.
If you or someone you are with are bitten by a snake, the actions you take immediately following the incident could have a significant impact on the victim's recovery and the way that they feel after the bite occurs.
Read up on the do's and don'ts associated with snakebites so that, if the situation should arise, you'll be prepared and ready to administer the proper treatment to yourself or to a friend.
- Snake Bites Do's
2. If you have a suction cup, use it to draw the venom out of the bite marks. Never sucks the venom with your own mouth. It is well known that with a suction of more than 270 mmHg of venom you can reduce its spreading.
3. Remove any rings or constricting items, because the affected area may swell. Create a loose splint to help restrict movement of the area.
4. If the area of the bite begins to swell and change color, the snake was probably venomous.
5. Monitor the person's vital signs -- temperature, pulse, rate of breathing, and blood pressure -- if possible. If there are signs of shock (such as paleness), lay the person flat, raise the feet about a foot, and cover the person with a blanket.
6. Get medical help right away. After doing first aid, it is still best to have an expert look after the victim. Hospital have the antivenoms necessary to treat snake bites.
- Snake Bites Don'ts
2. Do NOT apply a tourniquet or any strings for it will stop the blood flows and may lead to body parts amputated.
3. Do NOT apply ice or cold compresses to a snake bite.
4. Do NOT cut into a snake bite with a knife or razor.
5. Do NOT try to suck out the venom by mouth.
6. Do NOT give the person stimulants or pain medications unless a doctor tells you to do so.
7. Do NOT give the person anything by mouth.
8. Do NOT raise the site of the bite above the level of the person's heart.
9. Do NOT waste time hunting for the snake, and do not risk another bite if it is not easy to kill the snake.
Every snakebite is not lethal because not every snake is venomous so you don’t need to panic immediately. Just try to prevent this happening again.
- Preventions
Even though most snakes are not venomous, avoid picking up or playing with any snake unless you have been properly trained.
* If you hike often, consider buying a snake bite kit. Do not use older snake bite kits, such as those containing razor blades and suction bulbs.
* Don't provoke a snake. That is when many serious snake bites occur.
* Tap ahead of you with a walking stick before entering an area where you can't see your feet. Snakes will try to avoid you if given enough warning.
* When hiking in an area known to have snakes, wear long pants and boots if possible.
What To Do And Not To Do When Bitten By A Snake
Reviewed by Anonymous
on
June 11, 2018
Rating:
Reviewed by Anonymous
on
June 11, 2018
Rating:
