Snake Bite Symptoms| First aid for Snake Bites
Information on Snake Bites
Getting bitten by a snake is a remote possibility. However the bite of a poisonous snake can be painful and even fatal, most of them are highly treatable.
What are the symptoms of Snake Bites
- When a person is bitten by a poisonous-snake, fang punctured wounds and a pattern of tooth marks is left behind.
- When a venomous pit viper bites, there is rapid swelling and pain at the bitten area, accompanied by numbness around the mouth, sweating, dizziness and nausea.
- When a poisonous coral snake strikes, there is pain, sweating, slurred speech, drowsiness, double vision and nausea.
First aid Treatment for Snake Bites
- Try to keep the person calm and warm.
- The part of the body that is bitten should be immobilized and should be kept below heart level.
- Do not waste time in catching the snake.
- Use soap and water to cleanse the wound and cover it with a sterile-gauze.
- Use a constricting band around the bitten arm or leg, if less than 5 minutes have elapsed since the bite, and medical help is still ½ hour away.Apply the band 3 inches above the bite.
- Avoid application of ice as it may drive the venom deeper.
- If you are hours away from medical care, you can cut the wound and suck the poison. But you should be trained in the procedure and have a suction cup.
- If the bite is on the arm or hand remove rings and other constricting items.
Preventive measures for Snake Bites
- Never tease or hurt a snake, and don’t handle them if you are untrained.
- Wear long pants and foot gear that covers your ankles, thick gloves if your are out in the wilderness.
- Camp in open space and avoid gathering firewood at night.
- If you have spotted a snake outside, keep away from it.
- Do not step into dark places or heavy bushes.
- Be careful when you turn a fallen branch or rock
May 20, 2009 | Filed Under
Alternative therapies
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