Immediate first aid should be applied to any snake bite victim. Awareness of snake bite and its first aid management in rural areas of maharashtra. St john first aid protocols are for the australian market only. Few unexpected events can put a damper on enjoying the outdoors more than a snake bite. St john encourages first aid training as these fact sheets are not a substitute for first aid training. Learn the steps to take if youre bitten by a poisonous snake. For mild bites and stings, basic first aid treatment is usually enough. Pdf awareness of snake bite and its first aid management in.
A reflex strike from a dead snake can be just as dangerous as a snake bite by a live one. The correct first aid procedure works by limiting the spread of venom throughout the body. It is stressed that this is not a suitable substitute for formal training. Poisonous snakes non poisonous snakes do not have fangs with which to inject venom. Snakebite first aid recommendations vary, in part because different snakes have different types of venom. First aid treatment of snake bite includes reassurance to patient many patients have died due to shock even when the snake was not poisonous, tight ligation of the area above snake bite by a piece of cord or cloth, and local cleansing of the wound. Poisonous snakebites are much less common but much more dangerous, and they can even be deadly. Regardless of either type of bite, the initial first aid is the same. The treatment of snake bites in a first aid setting cebap. Fortunately, most snakes living in north america are not poisonous. Wilderness and remote first aid american red cross. The first several hours after the bite are most critical. If a venomous snake bites you, call 911 or your local emergency number immediately, especially if the bitten area changes color, begins to swell or is painful. Rhodmark, karen, rox anne, windy, rose anne bsn iva s.
Some have little local effect, but lifethreatening systemic effects, in which case containing the venom in the region of the bite by pressure immobilization is desirable. Most species of snake are harmless but unless you are absolutely sure that you have identified the snake correctly then treat the bite seriously and apply snake bite first aid. Wrap area in a bandage and help the patient keep the bitten area immobile. Envenomation snake bite vikas kesarwani md aprofessor consultant pulmonary critical. First aid measures should be applied as quickly as possible. Snakebite first aid vanderbilt university medical center. See our top selling k140 travel first aid kit and k150 compact remote area first aid kit. It is the absolute responsibility of the student to attain a formal firstaid qualification. There are some exceptions however, including copperheads, rattle snakes, coral snakes and water moccasins.
First aid for puncture wounds can be found in the wound text. The mozambique spitting cobra accounts for the vast majority of serious bites, followed by the puff adder, and then the stiletto snake. And lastly, when your planning to be around snakes for a while always have a snake bite first aid kit close by. This also applies to detached heads of dead snakes. Its also important to be aware that bites from snakes can cause a severe allergic reaction anaphylaxis in some people. Jun 25, 2017 a snakebite is an injury caused by the bite of a snake, especially a venomous snake. The following section is a presentation of the first aid measures required for the management of snake bite.
If possible, take these steps while waiting for medical help. Prompt treatment can minimize symptoms and promote recovery. First aid information and resources online resources. Article pdf available in indian journal of community health 263.
Pdf awareness of snake bite and its first aid management. Jun 05, 2019 the first thing to remember is never apply a tourniquette to a snake bite. Poisonous bites cause local signs oedema, hemorrhage, ecchymosis necrosis and systemic signs mainly involving nervous and cardiac system. Content in the wilderness and remote first aid emergency reference guide is based on the 2010 boy scouts of america bsa wilderness first aid curriculum and doctrine guidelines and reflects the 2010 consensus on science for cpr and emergency cardiovascular care and the 2010 guidelines for first aid. Learn to conquer common problems and handle emergencies with grace. Reduce movement preventing unnecessary movement of the affected area usually a limb reduces the spread of venom throughout the body. First aid treatment protocol much of the first aid currently carried out is ineffective and dangerous simpson, 2006. Most species of snake are harmless but unless you are absolutely sure that you have identified the snake correctly then treat the bite seriously and apply snake bite first aid basic first aid if bitten by a snake. Asi first aid for snakebite booklet african snakebite institute. The bandage is applied over the bite site and then distally to proximally covering the whole limb. It is paramount that the correct first aid treatment is applied to a snakebite as soon as possible. Its not a surprise if his name rings a bell johan is the author of the bestselling complete guide to snakes of southern africa and snakes and snakebite in southern africa and you may have read his article snakebite.
Identify or be able to describe the snake, but only if it can be done without significant risk for a second bite or a second victim. Alternatively, consider a fully equipped first aid kit with snake bite cover such as what is on sale now. Snake bite or venomous bite cover is important anywhere in australia and is a must for every home, caravan and 4wd. Wilderness first aid snakebite true north wilderness. Snake bite first aid what to do if bitten by a snake. Upgrade your skills with our online wilderness first aid basics class. Venomous snakes found in the continental united states include rattlesnakes, copperheads. Some 11% of the approximately 173 species of snake in southern africa can be considered deadly and these include mambas, cobras, the rinkhals, puff adder, gaboon adder, boomslang and the twig snake. The knowledge of snake bite first aid can be the difference between death and survival for a person that has been bitten. Thats why the main aim of snake bite first aid is to reduce lymphatic flow by applying continuous firm pressure over the affected limb. Instead, you must bandage the wound using a lightcompression bandage approximately 4 inches above the snakebitewound, in the same way youd wrap a sprained ankle for example.
Management of snake bite in general pain snakebite can often cause severe pain at the bite site. Manual ventilation self ventilating anaesthetic bag is also effective. Most of the familiar methods for firstaid treatment of snakebite, both vi. Click here to enquire about first aid courses for snakebite during which the proper application of pressure bandages is taught. Downloaded free from on tuesday, december 16, 2008. First aid treatment of the snake bite according to the american red cross, these basic techniques should be done immediately. From there, the continuing first aid treatment must be tailored to either pit viper or elapid. First aid on snake bite snake bite first aid for snake bite 1non poisonous snakes 2. Keep calm and immobilize the infected area and keep it below the level of the heart. For a comprehensive explanation of the correct first aid for. This may result in redness, swelling, and severe pain at the area, which may take up to an hour to appear.
If a sea snake bite or sting or bite of a marine creature is suspected, it is always important to call your local emergency helpline number or dial 911 in the us without any delay, and provide as much information as possible, even if the individual does not have any symptoms. Snakes can continue to bite and inject venom with successive bites until they run out of venom. Here are a range of information sheets for you to download for free, and use to display around the office or at home as a reminder of how to treat a range of illnesses and injuries. Anyone whose occupation requires time outdoors has a chance of encountering a snake, particularly in warmer states in the south, southwest and west.
This publication aims to pass on a digest of available knowledge. You will also find below some links to access other useful first aid resources. Safely and rapidly transport the victim to an emergency medical. Bite and sting first aid kit this first aid kit is developed specifically for treatment of bites and stings.
Poison is a toxin that kills or injures the bodys tissues and organs through its chemical actions. Whole families were studied and 124 people were intervie wed through an intervi eweradministered questionnaire. Therefore, adequate first aid for snakebite is of the utmost. Tropicalmed free fulltext first aid and prehospital. If you know the snake is not venomous, treat as a puncture wound. The practical recommendation for the treatment of snakebite in a first aid setting is to immo. Theres a lot of false information about how to provide first aid to a snake bite. It is the absolute responsibility of the student to attain a formal first aid qualification. Snakebite first aid fangs that are grooved to allow the venom to flow down the fang surface and trickle into the wound. Ppt snake bite powerpoint presentation free to download. Antivenom treatment can be expected to neutralize free circulating venom.
Pakistan has an estimated 20,000 snakebite deaths each year. If you are bitten by a snake, call triple zero 000 for an ambulance. Guidelines for the management of snakebites world health. Basic first aid for snake bite envenomation objectives the aim of this component is to provide the student with a concise and rational approach to the diagnosis, treatment and patient management of. All care has been taken in preparing the information but st john takes no responsibility for its use by other parties or individuals. All snake bites must be treated as potentially lifethreatening. A common symptom of a bite from a venomous snake is the presence of two puncture wounds from the animals fangs. Northern christian college the institution for better life laoag city college of nursing bites and first aidreporters. Sep 06, 2002 a reflex strike from a dead snake can be just as dangerous as a snake bite by a live one. The prognosis of a snake bite is dependent on the type of snake involved, the venom type, site of bite, overall health of the individual, and. Fishermen are still occasionally bitten by sea snakes but rarely reach hospitals alive. Indications for antivenom treatment include systemic envenoming, hypotension, vomiting.
Webmd walks you through the steps for emergency treatment of snake bites. The individual who was bitten by a snake or someone nearby can administer first aid. This article explains the best first aid treatment depending on the type of snake involved. The pressure bandage should be a broad 15 cm elastic bandage, rather than a crepe bandage. This is known as the pressure immobilisation technique pit. Jul 23, 20 regardless of either type of bite, the initial first aid is the same. Many emergency rooms stock antivenom drugs, which may help you. Thats why the main aim of snake bite first aid is to reduce lymphatic flow by applying a compression bandage over the affected limb. First aid treatment for snake bite what snake is that. A snakebite is an injury caused by the bite of a snake, especially a venomous snake. Artificial respiration in serious snakebite cases involving snakes with predominantly neurotoxic venom, like the black mamba or cape cobra, the victim may experience difficulty with breathing as quickly as within 20.
The victim may receive all, a portion, or none of the venom when the snake strikes. Most species of snake are harmless but unless you are absolutely sure that you have identified the snake correctly then treat the bite seriously and apply snake bite first aid see instructions below. Booklet, first aid, first aid for snakebite, johan marais, pets, snakebite description a comprehensive 28 page booklet that contains information on what to do and what not to do in a snakebite emergency, the use of pressure immobilisation, artificial respiration, and the use of a bag valve mask. Snakebite treatment hindi snakebite primary treatment.
Symptoms of a snakebite may not begin until the body goes into shock. The first aid for a suspected or definite snake bite is a pressure bandage with immobilization pbi. Asi first aid for snakebite booklet african snakebite. A common sign of a bite from a venomous snake is the presence of two puncture wounds from the animals fangs. First aid information and resources online resources st. If a person has been bitten by a poisonous snake, antivenin may be used to counteract the toxins. The first thing to remember is never apply a tourniquette to a snake bite. Up to 50% of all venomous bites are reported to be dry bites, i. First aid guide any time a person has been bitten by a confirmed or suspected poisonous snake, the injury should be treated as a medical emergency. Apply a pressure immobiliation bandage apply a firm heavy crepe or elasticised roller bandage start just above the fingers or toes, and move upwards on the limb as far as can be reached include the snake bite apply tightly without stopping blood supply to the limb. A free powerpoint ppt presentation displayed as a flash slide show on id. Apr 18, 2019 how is first aid administered for sea snake bite. Keep the patient calm and stable to reduce the effects of the venom. The first thing to do is call 911 and keep your patient as calm as you can.