[Medical Q&A] What should you do if you are accidentally bitten by a snake?

Author: Zhou Feng Children's Hospital Affiliated to Chongqing Medical University

Reviewer: Wu Liping, Chief Nurse, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Chongqing Medical University

If you are accidentally bitten by a snake, you should remain calm and immediately take the following first aid measures.

(1) Stay calm: Although a snake bite can be scary, staying calm is important to handling the situation properly. Keeping your emotions in check can help you cope better.

(2) Escape from the dangerous environment: Immediately move away from the place where the snake bit you to avoid secondary injury. If the snake bites you and refuses to let go, use a stick or other tool to force it to leave. If the victim is bitten by a snake in the water, immediately move him or her to the shore or boat to avoid drowning.

(3) Remember the characteristics of the snake: If possible, pay attention to the characteristics of the snake that bit you. The appearance, color, size and shape of the snake are important for the doctor to determine the correct treatment method.

(4) Decompress the bite area: Remove all restricted items from the injured area, such as rings, bracelets, watches, tight clothes, shoes, etc., to avoid subsequent swelling that may make them unable to be removed, thereby aggravating local injuries.

(5) Keep the wound still: Keeping the wound still can slow the spread of venom. If possible, elevate the injured area without compressing blood vessels.

(6) Seek medical help: The consequences of snake bites vary from person to person, depending on factors such as the bite site, the toxicity of the snake, the depth of the bite, and the speed of receiving treatment. Therefore, if you are bitten by a snake, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible and follow the doctor's advice.