First Aid to a Snake Bite Victim

1. Apply a narrowing bandage on the site of the bite to stop the blood circulation through the veins of the affected part. Let it remain for half an hour and then allowed to be relaxed for 30 seconds. The constriction should be maintained until anti-venin can be obtained. Watch for 3 hours with relaxation at regular intervals. If no symptoms develop then the bandage can be removed. Remember that bandage will not work if it is applied more than one hour after the bite has occured.

2. Wash the wound. Use Potassium permanganate if it is available.

3. Remove the wrist watch, rings and anything else from the victim. These can restrict the flow of blood.

4. After the bandage is in place and the surface area cleaned , remove some tissue from the area close to the bite with a sharp blade or knife after it is passed through a burning flame or kept in antiseptic spirit. This will promote bleeding and help to wash the snake venom from the bite.

4. Only as an emergency and suck the poison out of the wound and spit it. Remember this can be dangerous. To be safe suck through a piece of rubber or polythene sheeting.

5. Keep the victim at total rest.

6. Should he find it difficult to breathe, give him artificial respiration.

7. Give him warm tea or coffee.

8. Do not try to catch the snake. The idea is to know what type of anti-venin will work. If you can describe the snake to the doctor. He should know what will work. Trying to catch the snake will invite for the possibility of another bite.

9. Call the doctor.