First aid guide for snake bites: How to save lives at critical moments?

Author: Lv Chuanzhu, Professor and Chief Physician, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences and Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital

Yan Shijiao, Professor of Hainan Medical University

Deng Xiaoxu, Associate Researcher, Science and Technology Literature Publishing House

Reviewer: Zhu Huadong, Professor and Chief Physician, Peking Union Medical College Hospital

Every summer, venomous snake bites occur frequently, especially in southern my country. According to statistics, there are about 250,000 to 280,000 venomous snake bites in my country each year. The most common body parts bitten are the feet, ankles and calves, accounting for about 56%, followed by the hands, forearms and upper arms. Severe cases may lead to disability or even death. In the face of this sudden danger, it is crucial to master scientific first aid knowledge.

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1. Learn to identify poisonous snake bites first

1. Common "dangerous elements"

Cobra and Bungarus regulus: They release "neurotoxic poison" which can cause muscle numbness, breathing difficulties and even suffocation after being bitten!

Pit viper and pit viper: release "blood poison", causing wounds to bleed profusely, and internal organs may also bleed!

Chinese cobra: releases "cytotoxicity", the wound is so painful that it bursts, swells up like a steamed bun, and the flesh may rot! 2. 2. How to determine whether it is poisoning?

Look at the tooth marks: The bite marks of venomous snakes usually have 1 to 2 pairs of obvious "big tooth marks", while the bite marks of non-venomous snakes are fine and small tooth marks.

Look at the symptoms: If swelling quickly occurs, dizziness, vomiting, and difficulty breathing after being bitten, it is likely that the person is poisoned.

Beware of "dry bites": About 20% of venomous snake bites may not release toxins, but must be observed for 24 hours!

2. The Golden Rules of First Aid: 5 Dos and 5 Don’ts

1. Five steps to save your life:

Stay calm and don’t panic: an accelerated heartbeat will speed up the spread of toxins.

Get away quickly: avoid the snake's second attack.

Fix the injured limb: Use branches or clothes to fix it and keep the wound below the heart.

Take off jewelry: to prevent swelling and strangulation of the affected area.

Call for help immediately: Dial 120 and go straight to the hospital with anti-snake venom serum!

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2.5 Major taboos:

Don't cut the wound (it will increase bleeding or infection)!

Don’t take drugs with your mouth (it will harm others and yourself)!

Don't apply ice or fire (accelerates necrosis)!

Don’t drink alcohol or coffee (it speeds up the absorption of toxins)!

Don't tie up the affected limb yourself!

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3. Anti-venom serum: the only "antidote"

1. Why is serum necessary?

Serum can neutralize toxins and is the key to saving lives!

2. Medication principles: fast, accurate, and sufficient

Golden 1 hour: The best time to take medication is 1 to 2 hours after being bitten. If you delay for too long, irreversible organ damage may occur.

The dosage for children does not decrease: children have less blood and higher toxin concentration, so the dosage is the same as that for adults!

If symptoms worsen, add more medicine: if there is no improvement after 6 hours, additional serum is needed.

3. Beware of allergy risks

A skin test is required before using the medication, but if the situation is critical, the doctor will take the risk of using the medication under supervision and have epinephrine ready for emergency use.

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IV. Hospital treatment: the key to preventing sequelae

1. Wound treatment: The doctor will clean the necrotic tissue but will never cut the wound randomly.

2. Symptomatic support: Coagulation disorder: plasma transfusion (first give enough serum); respiratory paralysis: intubation and mechanical ventilation; infection prevention: use cephalosporin antibiotics.

3. Tetanus shot: Leave at least 1 hour between the shot and serum.

5. Prevent snake bites: Remember these points

1. Outdoor activities: wear long pants and high-top shoes, and don’t flip rocks with your bare hands!

2. Snakes’ active period (April to October): Avoid going to bushes at night and use flashlights for lighting.

3. When encountering a snake: slowly step back 2 meters and don’t provoke it!

4. Prevent snakes from entering your home: clear weeds and block wall cracks and drains.

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In the end, a snake bite is a race against death. Remember the eight-character strategy: stay calm, stop, seek medical attention, and fight the poison! Forward this to your family and friends. The more people know, the less tragedy there will be!