How to Provide First Aid for Snake Bites
How to Provide First Aid for Snake Bites
Blog Article
First aid for accidents or first aid is not only about accidents, falls or major impacts. First aid for accidents also includes how to provide temporary initial treatment for wild animal bites, such as snake bites.
Kadektoto bites can be very dangerous and require quick and precise action to reduce the risk of serious complications or even death. Types of snake bites can vary, from non-venomous to highly venomous. Therefore, it is important to know how to provide first aid immediately after a snake bite.
Symptoms of venomous snake bites can vary depending on the type of snake and how much venom is injected. Common symptoms of venomous snake bites include:
1. Pain and Swelling
The bite area is usually very painful and can swell quickly.
2. Changes in Skin Color
The skin around the bite can turn red, blue or purple.
3. Dizziness
Victims of venomous snake bites can feel dizzy, confused and even faint.
4. Nausea and Vomiting
The victim may feel nauseous and vomit for a while after being bitten by a venomous snake.
5. Difficulty Breathing
In severe cases, venomous snakebites can cause difficulty breathing.
6. Visual Disturbances
Visual disturbances such as double vision or blurred vision can also occur after being bitten by a venomous snake.
The following are the first aid steps that must be taken for snakebite victims:
1. Calm and reduce movement
It is important to stay calm and not panic, and avoid body movements as much as possible. Because panic can speed up the heart rate and accelerate the spread of venom, and movement can spread venom faster throughout the body.
2. Position the Bite Area
Try to keep the area bitten by the snake below the level of the heart. This can help slow the flow of venom to the heart and other vital organs.
3. Remove Jewelry and Tight Clothing
Immediately remove jewelry, or other accessories and tight clothing around the bite area to avoid further swelling.
4. Clean the Wound Carefully
Clean the wound from the snake bite with clean water or soap if available. Avoid rubbing the area of the snake bite and do not try to remove the venom by sucking or cutting the wound, as this can worsen the condition.
5. Immobilize the Bite Area
Use a splint or cloth to immobilize the area affected by the snake bite. However, avoid using a tourniquet (strap) because it can cause more severe tissue damage.
6. Seek Medical Help Immediately
Contact emergency medical services or take the victim to a health facility immediately. Provide information about the type of snake that bit you if possible, as this can help in administering the right antivenom.
7. Monitor the Victim's Condition
Continue to monitor the victim's condition during the trip to the hospital, including breathing, pulse and level of consciousness. Immediately perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) if the victim loses consciousness or stops breathing.
In addition to the first aid steps for snake bites as explained above, there are several other things that must also be considered. Because there are several actions that must be avoided, such as:
1. Do not suck the venom
Sucking the venom from a snakebite with your mouth is ineffective and can cause infection.
2. Do not use ice
Compressing with ice can worsen tissue damage in the area bitten by the snake.
3. Do not cut the wound
Cutting the area of the snakebite can cause further damage and increase the risk of infection.
4. Do not drink alcohol or caffeine
Alcohol and caffeine can accelerate the spread of venom in the body.
Snake bites require fast and precise treatment to reduce the risk of serious complications. By knowing the correct first aid steps for snakebites, you can save lives and minimize the risks caused by snakebites. Download the IHC Telemed application on the App Store and Google Play and enjoy direct consultation services with IHC doctors anywhere and anytime. IHC Telemed, health in the palm of your hand.