Do You Know the Correct First Aid for a Snakebite?

Do you know the correct first aid measures to give if you or someone close to you is bitten by a snake?

In Sri Lanka, more than 80,000 snakebites occur every year, and over 400 people die from snake venom poisoning annually.

If a person is bitten by a snake, do not wait for symptoms to appear. They should receive medical attention as quickly as possible.

Treatment for snakebite is based on the patient’s signs and symptoms. The sooner the patient reaches a hospital, the greater the chance of successful treatment.

Identifying the species of snake can sometimes help guide medical management. However, trying to catch or kill the snake is extremely dangerous. Some snakes can still bite even after their head has been separated from the body.

Doctors can often identify the likely type of snake by examining the bite site and the patient's clinical symptoms. Therefore, do not attempt to catch or kill the snake.

When providing first aid to a snakebite victim, there are important actions to take as well as actions to avoid. (These are illustrated in the accompanying image.)

Because of misinformation and common myths, many patients receive incorrect first aid before reaching the hospital. These harmful practices can lead to serious complications and may even result in death.

By following the recommended first aid measures correctly and seeking immediate medical care, you can significantly improve the chances of saving the life of a person who has been bitten by a snake.