How to provide emergency first aid treatment to the person who is bitten by Snake?

There are more than 3500 species of snakes. But only 250 are venomous. The common poisonous snakes are cobra, king cobra, common krait, banded krait and rustles viper. Also some 20 types of sea snakes are poisonous.

Poisonous glands of snakes

‘Ehen are the salivary glands of the snake. They are situated behind the eyes, one on each side of the head above the upper jaw.

Fangs

All poisonous snakes have two fangs. These are curved teeth situated on the maxillary bones. The fangs are hollow and tubular and the venom flows through them. The fangs are connected to the venom gland by means of a duct.

Snake venom

Snake venom is the saliva of snake. When dry, it appears as yellow crystals. Snake venom is a complex proteins mixture mixed with enzymes. Snake venom contains:

1. Neurotoxin-A. Which affects the central nervous system and cardiorespiratory centers.

2. Neurotoxin-B which affects skeletal muscles and paralyses them.

3 A variety of enzymes like hyaluronidase, cholinesterase, anticholinesterase, phosphatases, hemolysis etc.

Examination of bitten person:

1. Puncture wound: In case of poisonous snake bites, there are usually two puncture wounds with or without scratches. The distance between the two puncture wounds may be 1 to 2cms. In non- poisonous snake bite there will be no puncture wound and only scratches are found.

2. Pain: Usually, there is violent burning pain at the site of bite in case of poisonous snakes. Non-poisonous snake bite may not develop much pain.

3. Swelling: Poisonous snake bite causes swelling and it is spreading in character. In non-poisonous snake bite, there may be a small swelling but it does not spread.

4. Other symptoms: Symptoms such as weakness, giddiness, paralysis, twitching or numbness may develop in the bitten person.

First aid

First aid treatment is the measure taken by the victim or associates soon after the bite before medical treatment is given. When facilities for medical treatment are accessible, the victim must be shifted without delay.

The first aid measures are:

Tourniquet:

A tourniquet is applied proximal to the site of bite. It should not be too tight so as to obstruct lymphatic flow or to produce gangrene. The tourniquet must be loosened every ten minutes for 30 seconds.

Cleaning: The site of bite must be cleaned with a cotton or cloth and it must be covered with a sterile cloth. Potassium permanganate should not be applied since it may lead to absorption of the venom.

Local incision:

Superficial incisions of not more than 5mm in depth are made at the site of bite. Blood is squeezed out from the site of bite. Later it is sucked by mouth (if there is no erosion or ulcer in the mouth) or by suction pump.

Assurance:

It is necessary to assure the patient and give him confidence. Also he must be immobilized.

No sleep:

The patient is not allowed to sleep. He may be given coffee or tea. He should not be given alcohol because it stimulates metabolism and increases circulation.