The most important thing after a snake bite is to keep the member that has been stuck as still as possible because the more you move the more the venom will spread through the body. Therefore, the ideal is for the victim not to walk and be transported by stretcher to the hospital.
Until arriving at the hospital, what should be done to improve the chances of rescue are:
- Apply ice to the wound area to decrease blood circulation and spread the venom.
- Tie a piece of fabric a few inches above the snake bite site. Do not tie too tight because it can cause more complications, and if it has been more than half an hour from the snake bite, do not tie it.
In the hospital it is important to be able to describe the characteristics of the snake, so that the correct anti-snake serum is administered.
What to do in case of non-venomous snakebite
The sting of the non-poisonous snake usually leaves two rows of specks on the skin, which are the marks of the snake's teeth. In these cases it is due to:
- Wash the snake bite well, from the center out;
- Put an antiseptic ointment on the wound;
- Make a dressing with a tight gauze;
- Take the victim to the doctor as soon as possible.
These steps should only be done when there is certainty that the sting was from a non-venomous snake. If in doubt, follow the two steps above.
Learn what to do in case of other common bites:
- First aid for spider bite
- First aid in case of bee sting
