Emergency First Aid for Snake Bite by Snakeman Ron
When we live in the tropics, we share the environment with many kinds of animals, some of which are potentially dangerous if they bite or sting us. On the land there are scorpions, centipedes, bees, wasps ants and snakes which can bite or sting us if we are not careful. The good news is that these animals do not intentionally want to hurt us, and by being aware that they are there, we can learn to live with them, and avoid potential conflicts, accidents or injuries. In a previous issue of Baliforkids, I talked about ways to avoid snakebite, and reduce the chances of snakes coming into our houses and gardens. In this edition, I would like to talk about snakebite. Let me repeat that incidences of snakebite among expats are very rare, and very few people die or are permanently injured by bites from snakes. But accidents do sometimes happen. SO…
Familiarize yourself with the local snakes. Ask local people if they have seen snakes in your area and if any are poisonous! If you think you or someone else has been bitten by a snake, what should you do? Make sure you, your family and staff have read and understand the snakebite first aid instructions.
The principle of first aid for snake bite is firstly to avoid distribution of the venom, and secondly to reduce chance of infection at the puncture site. Do not slice, cut or suck the wound! Here are some first aid tips to remember if you are bitten by a snake:
- Allow bite to bleed freely for 15-30 seconds.
- The bitten area may swell considerably and be painful to the touch. Remove any tight clothing, rings, bracelets or wristwatch in case of swelling.
- Cleanse and rapidly disinfect the bitten area with Betadine (assuming you are not allergic to iodine). If you do not have Betadine or gauze pads, do not waste time looking for them! The most important message here is to GET TO A MEDICAL FACILITY AS SOON AS POSSIBLE!
- If the bite is on the hand, finger, foot or toe, wrap the leg/arm rapidly with a 7.5 cm to 10 cm-wide crepe bandage past the knee or elbow joint to immobilize it (you can improvise by using a sarong, scarf, towel or other piece of wide fabric). Leave the area of fang marks open. Wrap the bandage no tighter than you would for a sprain. Make sure pulses in the ankle or wrist are present.
- In case of green pit viper bites, apply hard direct pressure over bite using a gauze pad or clean piece of fabric. Soak gauze pad in ‘Betadine’ solution if available. Strap the gauze pad tightly in place with adhesive tape.
- Immobilize the bitten limb with a splint if available.
- If sprayed in the eyes by a spitting cobra, DO NOT RUB THE EYES! Wash eyes under running water for 20 minutes to remove the venom, then seek medical attention. Venom sprayed on unbroken skin should be washed off immediately.
- Try to stay calm and do not cause the victim to panic. Panic states will raise the victim’s heart rate causing faster distribution of the venom.
- If possible, try and keep the bitten limb at heart level or in a gravity-neutral position. Raising it above heart level can cause venom to travel into the body. Holding it down below heart level can increase swelling.
- Go to nearest hospital or medical facility as soon as possible. Sanglah Hospital in Denpasar can deal with snakebite. If you go to another hospital or clinic, call them first if you can to tell them that you have been bitten by a snake, and ask their advice.
- Try and identify the offending snake. Visual identification/description usually suffices. Note its size, colour and any markings. Take a photo of the snake to help with identification, but DO NOT WASTE TIME DOING THIS! Remember, A DEAD SNAKE CAN STILL POTENTIALLY BITE YOU!
- Bites to the face, torso or buttocks are more of a problem. Apply pressure with a ‘Betadine’ soaked pad to the bite and seek medical attention immediately.
- If the victim has been injected with a “neurotoxin” (nerve poison) that is characteristic of the cobra or krait, it may be necessary to assist the victims breathing by performing mouth to mouth resuscitation until such time as the victim can be given assistance at a medical facility.
- Green pit viper bites can cause more pain and swelling than cobra bites, so it is very important not to apply a tight tourniquet. Use a pressure pad on the site of the bite instead!
What Not to Do if Bitten by a Venomous Snake!
1. DO NOT permit removal of pressure dressings, or bandage until you are at a facility ready and able to administer anti-venom. As soon as the dressings are released the venom will spread causing the usual expected problems of venomous snakebite. The hospital at this time must be prepared to administer the antidote (anti-venom).
2. Do not eat or drink anything unless allowed to by medical sources.
3. Do not engage in any strenuous physical activity. The bitten area must stay as still as possible.
4. Do not apply oral (mouth) suction to bite.
5. Do not cut into or incise bite marks with a knife, razor or other sharp blade.
6. Do not drink any alcohol or use any medication.
7. Do not apply either hot or cold packs.
8. Do not apply a narrow, constrictive tourniquet such as a belt, necktie or cord.
9. Do not waste time or take any risks trying to kill, bag or bring in the offending snake.
*IMPORTANT NOTE - wide pressure bandaging must not be wrapped so tight as to cut off systemic venous or arterial circulation. One should just be able to insert a finger under the bandage. Properly applied, such bandages will NOT compromise the systemic circulation.
Disclaimer. Very effort has been made to provide accurate and up-to-date information about snake bite first aid. No responsibility can be held by the authors for death, injuries or other problems arising as a result of following these instructions!
For all enquires about snakes and other wildlife, please contact: Ron Lilley rphlilley@yahoo.co.uk or ronlilley@lini.or.id Mobile H/P 0813 3849 6700
