Snakebite's first aid steps to save lives while waiting for medical help

More than 80% of the snakes that are seen in Kerala are non–venomous. Among the highly venomous ones, viper, cobra and Bengal krait (sankhuvarayan) are the most commonly seen snakes. Depending upon the nature of the venom, these snakes could be classified into two categories. The first category includes snakes like Bengal krait, cobra and King cobra whose venom affects the nervous system in human beings. The other category includes snakes like viper whose venom affects the blood vessels and also disrupts the process of blood clotting.

The symptoms would differ in both categories of snakebites. When the venom affects the nervous system, it may lead to dropping eyelids, vision problems and shortness of breath. The puncture wounds would be extremely painful if a viper bites. The wound would swell and you might bleed from body hair follicles. Moreover, you may spot blood in your urine and may even vomit blood.

Resting is key. It is vital to relax and not panic in case of a snakebite. The symptoms are shown when the venom enters the bloodstream. Usually, the first reaction to snakebite would be panic and fear. However, the body would then produce adrenalin hormones which make the heart beat fast and the venom swiftly enters the bloodstream. So, the first and most important step would be to keep the victim as calm as possible.

First aid is important
1) Giving artificial ventilation could save the patient’s life.
2) Snake bites are usually seen as two puncture wounds from the snake’s fangs
3) Snakes release more venom if they bite before catching prey. However, less venom is released if the snakebite happens after it has preyed. The venom would swiftly spread in the body if it entered the veins
4) If the venom affects the nervous system, make sure to artificially ventilate or give mouth–to–mouth until medical help arrives. It should be given six times in a minute.

How to treat snakebites
1) Splint the wounded area to keep it still. You could use a wooden plank, a stiff magazine or a few sheets of paper to splint the area. Movement should be restricted to prevent the spread of venom.
2) Do not allow the victim to walk. He/she should be seated in a chair even while taking them to the hospital in a car. Use a wheelchair at the hospital.

3) Do not try creating other wounds around the puncture wounds to squeeze out blood.
4) Do not rub tea powder or sugar on the wounds
5) Tie an elastic band over the wounds. Do not tie a rope or strings above the bite wound.
6) Rush the victim to the hospital that has anti-venom in stock.
(The writer is the director of the Emergency Medicine Department at Aster Health Care, Kozhikode)