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| image via Wikipedia |
Snake bites are dangerous. If not cared for promptly, the victim can undergo extreme response to venom and in minutes, the outcome can be fatal. Since majority of snake bites happen in a remote area, emergency medical help is hard to come by. Therefore it is crucial that there is someone in your group having proper first aid training to administer temporary treatment on the victim.
What to do in case of a snake bite:
• The very first thing you must do to the victim is to place him on a safe place. Keep him still and administer the first aid.
• Whenever possible, identify the species of snake that did the biting. Take an image or have a visual memory of the snake when you can't name the species. This is very important because there are several venomous snakes in America and the anti-venom that must be given should be compatible with the snake that bit the victim.
• If you are unable to identify the snake, at least, give the precise location of where the incident occurred. Location supplies clues to the kind of snake that lives in the area.
• Get rid of any tightly fitting clothing, a rope, lace or jewelry and use it to tie a light constrictive bond inches away on two sides of the area that was bitten. Timing is important. So when the victim cries out for help, do this routine in the fastest possible time.
• Ask somebody to call for help. Keep in mind that first aid treatment just aims to forestall, reduce, or slow down the effects of the venom, bring down the complications of the venom and prepare the victim for professional medical treatment. Call 911 immediately.
• Don't cut into the wound since it can just create infections.
• Employ a strong suction using the mouth or use bite kit suction device when available. Do this incessantly on the deepest puncture marks, within seconds of the bite.
• Wash the whole area using soap and warm water. Use antiseptic cleansing agent if available.
• Don't feed the victim nor give him something to drink. Alcohol must not be given to the victim as it could add up to the stress level.
• Keep the victim immobilized and warm.
• Check the bonds constantly. If swelling happens, loosen as needed.
• Inspect for the signs of shock. If there are signs of strange discomfort or major stress, evaluate if the victim needs other first aid methods. Maintain the bite away from the heart. Do this until help arrives.
• Carrying the victim to the hospital is crucial. Be sure that he stays warm, immobilized and comfortable.
• Give words of reassurance that everything will be okay and that survival is out of the question.
• Be quick to provide assistance. Get hold of the relatives of the victim, give valuable information about the incident, keep the scene material and report the first aid administered.
In some circumstances, professional help takes a long time to arrive so be sure to keep your focus, stay calm and coordinate with the people around as first aid training is worthless if you're not able to remain on top of the whole situation.
By Tip Writer
