Poisons, bites and stings
Snake bite
Also called snake bite, saap, saanp kaat liya, snake, serpent bite
Call 112 or 108 first, then start. Put the phone on speaker so the operator can talk you through every step while your hands stay free.
What you are dealing with
Most Indian snake bites are treatable with antivenom, and most deaths come from delay or from harmful first aid. Getting to a hospital fast is the treatment.
Do this, in this order
- Move away from the snake and keep the person calm and as still as possible. Panic speeds venom through the body.
- Lay them down and keep the bitten limb still, at or below the level of the heart. Splint it loosely if you can, like a broken bone.
- Remove rings, bangles, watches and anything tight, because the limb will swell.
- Mark the edge of the swelling with a pen and write the time, so the hospital can see how fast it is spreading.
- Carry them to a hospital that stocks antivenom. Do not let them walk if you can avoid it.
- If it is safe and easy, photograph the snake from a distance. Never chase or handle it, alive or dead.
Never do this
- Never cut the wound, suck the venom, or use a suction device.
- Never apply a tight tourniquet or tie a cloth hard above the bite. It causes limb damage and does not stop venom.
- Do not apply ice, chilli, herbs, snake stones or a black stone, and do not visit a traditional healer first.
- Do not give alcohol, aspirin or any painkiller, and do not wait to see if symptoms appear.
Call an ambulance if
- Every snake bite goes to hospital, including a dry bite with no symptoms. Only a hospital can watch for the venom taking effect.
After the emergency
Get it looked at properly
First aid buys time, it does not finish the job. Most of these situations need a doctor to check what happened, prevent infection, and decide whether anything more is needed.
