Don't Panic, Do This When Bitten by a Snake

Going out in the wild in certain areas can carry risks, such as being bitten by a poisonous snake. This situation is a medical condition that is classified as an emergency because it can cause loss of life if not treated immediately. Basically, removing the venom or poison is an attempt by the snake to knock out prey. Usually, a snake will bite if it feels disturbed or threatened. Without proper handling, snake venom can be fatal.

First Aid for Snake Bite Victims

The World Health Organization (WHO) notes that there are more than 100,000 deaths per year worldwide due to being bitten by a snake. Therefore, it is important to know what needs to be done if you or the person who is with you is bitten by a snake. Here are a few things to look out for:
  • Stay calm and leave immediately or take the victim to the nearest health facility for assistance.
  • Remember the shape, color and size of the snake that bites.
  • If you are a person who is with a person who is bitten by a snake, don't leave the victim alone.
  • Never suck snake venom from a victim's limb. Also, do not apply anything to the area that is bitten by a snake, including chemicals, ice, or warm objects.
  • To prevent the spread can be to other areas of the body, try to keep the area bitten by a snake immovable.
  • Loosen clothes if possible.
  • Free the bite area from objects such as jewelry or shoes.
  • Avoid consumption of alcoholic or caffeinated drinks. Both risks increase the absorption of snake poison by the body.
Patients who are bitten by a snake usually need to be observed in the hospital, at least 24 hours. This needs to be done because these anti-poisons can cause severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) in some people. Therefore, this drug can only be given by professional medical personnel. At the hospital, the victim will be given an IV if the blood pressure drops significantly. In addition, blood transfusions may be given to patients who have lost a lot of blood. The pain experienced during the recovery period can generally be relieved by taking pain medication. In general, adults who are bitten by a snake need more time to recover than children who usually need about 1-2 weeks to administer anti-toxic drugs or serum snake antibisa. However, recovery time can vary depending on the type of snake that bites.

How to Prevent Snake Bites

Given the very dangerous risk, it is very important to know how to prevent you or your colleagues from getting bitten by a snake. Perform the steps below:
  • If you see a snake, never try to disturb it, such as approaching and touching it, lifting or throwing stones.
  • You should not move if you accidentally are or see a snake crossing, so that the snake does not feel threatened.
  • Wear long pants and boots when traveling to a place suspected of being a snake habitat, for example to the forest, garden, or rice fields.
  • Pay attention to the instructions around the area where you are, especially those related to warnings about snakes.
  • Never put your hand in a hole or crack in a stone. Use branches or sticks to grab something.
  • When adventure and want to set up a tent, you should choose a place far from the swamp, wet ground areas and places suspected of snake nests.
The risk of being bitten by a snake is greater when in the wild, but it can also occur in residential areas, even in the house. Don't panic if you see someone else or yourself bitten by a snake. Immediately do first aid as described above, then immediately take it to the nearest hospital or health facility to get further treatment.

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