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Stay calm and seek immediate care if bitten by a snake. Avoid ice, heat, or folk cures. Early hospitalisation is crucial
Timely treatment can save lives in up to 90% of snake bite cases. (Local18)
A scorching summer afternoon in the fields can swiftly turn perilous when a snake emerges from the undergrowth. Such incidents are all too common in Indian villages, especially during the paddy sowing season when damp fields and warm soil lure snakes. It is vital to remain calm upon encountering a snake and to understand the appropriate precautions.
Dr Deepak Kulshreshtha, Dean of Rewa Ayurveda Hospital, emphasises that timely treatment can save lives in up to 90% of snake bite cases. However, delays in seeking medical attention can prove fatal.
Remain Calm And Respond Promptly
The foremost advice when confronted with a snake is to stay composed, as panic often leads to fatal mistakes. If bitten:
- Ensure the affected limb is positioned below heart level to slow the spread of venom.
- Remove any jewellery or timepieces near the bite site.
- Cover body with a blanket to help maintain body warmth
- Refrain from attempting to kill the snake, as it may strike again, and
- Avoid engaging in superstitious or folk remedies.
Identifying Key Symptoms
Typical symptoms of a snake bite include
- anxiety,
- swelling,
- muscle rigidity,
- dizziness,
- drooping eyelids,
- vomiting,
- excessive sweating, and
- numbness.
On occasion, sheer panic can mimic these signs, making it critical to transport the victim to hospital without delay, even if they appear unaffected initially.
Exercise Caution With Home Remedies
Despite medical advice, many continue to resort to traditional methods such as applying ice or attempting to extract the venom by mouth, both of which can exacerbate the situation.
Medical professionals strongly advise against applying ice or heat, or administering alcohol or caffeine. Gently cleansing the wound with neem leaves may provide temporary relief but should only be considered if no medical aid is available.
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