The rainy season marks the breeding and growth period for snakes, especially venomous species. When bitten by a venomous snake, it is crucial to minimize the effects of the snake’s venom on the body. Alongside first aid and recognizing symptoms, it is essential to understand what actions are “recommended” and “not recommended” to avoid danger.
Proper First Aid
Dr. Nguyen Hoang Quan from the Intensive Care and Poison Control Department, Thu Duc City Hospital, emphasizes that recognizing a venomous snake bite and administering proper first aid is extremely important. First aid methods include:
- Try to identify the species of the snake that bit you, noting its color, size, shape of the head, and method of attack. If the snake is captured, take a photo or bring the dead snake to the medical facility.
- Reassure the victim.
- Immobilize the bitten limb using a strap, wooden stick, or metal rod (movement or muscle contraction increases the absorption of venom). This method is suitable for victims of snakes with toxins affecting blood coagulation (such as the Malayan pit viper and the green pit viper).
- Compression bandaging – immobilization: This method slows down the absorption of venom from the bite. It is best to use a wide elastic bandage about 10 cm wide and 4.5 m long; if unavailable, any fabric roll can be used.
Wrap the bandage tightly around the entire bitten limb, starting from the fingers or toes and moving upward, then secure the wooden or metal stick to immobilize the bitten limb. The bandage should be tight, similar to cases of sprains, but not so tight that peripheral circulation is lost.
The bandage should not be removed until the victim reaches a medical facility equipped for emergency resuscitation. This method is applicable for victims of snakes whose toxins affect the nervous system (such as sea snakes, cobras, and kraits).
After administering first aid, the victim must be transported swiftly and comfortably to a medical facility, avoiding any movement, especially in the bitten limb, as it can increase the absorption of toxins into the bloodstream. The victim should be carried or transported by vehicle, not allowed to walk on their own.
Some common venomous snakes can be identified based on their distinctive external characteristics.
Things Not to Do
According to Dr. Le Xuan Duong from the Emergency Department of the Central Military Hospital 108, distinguishing between venomous and non-venomous snakes can often be challenging. However, some common venomous snakes can be recognized by their distinctive features: cobras (which expand their necks and make a characteristic sound when preparing to attack), Malayan pit vipers (with a body marked by yellow and black segments), kraits (with a body marked by white and black segments), and the green pit viper (with a broad, triangular-shaped head).
Venomous snakes typically have two large fangs (also known as venom fangs) located in the upper jaw, which often leave a distinctive bite mark that can help differentiate them from non-venomous snakes. The fangs function like a syringe, injecting venom into the skin or muscle.
Some cobras can even spray venom from a distance, potentially damaging the victim’s eyes and causing systemic poisoning.
When bitten by a snake, avoid the following measures:
- Tourniquet: A tourniquet completely constricts the artery. It causes pain, is very dangerous, and cannot be maintained for long (no more than 40 minutes), leading to a high risk of severe blood loss in the limbs. Many cases result in amputations due to the use of a tourniquet. Additionally, when arriving at the hospital, if the doctor removes the tourniquet, the venom can rush back to the heart, causing shock and threatening the patient’s life.
- Incisions or punctures at the bite site: Such measures are not beneficial and can cause further harm to the patient (additional damage to blood vessels, nerves, etc., and increased risk of infection).
- Suctioning the venom: This has no benefit.
- Cold compresses: It has been shown to cause harm.
- Using folk remedies or traditional medicines: These are not effective, and applying them can lead to infections, while ingestion may harm the victim.
- Attempting to catch or kill the snake: If the snake is dead or captured, it should be brought along with the patient to the hospital for identification.
Preventing Snake Bites
- Know the types of snakes in your area and where they prefer to live or hide.
- Wear boots, high-top shoes, and long pants, especially at night. Additionally, wear a wide-brimmed hat if walking in the forest or areas with dense vegetation.
- Avoid snakes as much as possible. Do not attempt to catch, chase, or corner snakes in confined spaces.
- Avoid living near places where snakes like to dwell, such as piles of debris, ruins, garbage heaps, or areas housing domesticated animals.
- To avoid being bitten by sea snakes, do not attempt to catch them in nets or fishing lines.
- Use a flashlight if in dark areas or at night.
How to administer first aid for a venomous snake bite?
