First Aid for Snake Bite (How to Survive a Snake Bite)

A few days ago, a Nigerian Air Force officer, Lance Corporal Bercy Ogah died after she got bitten by a poisonous snake when she sat on the toilet seat in her room. Reports said the snake made its way into her toilet bowl (WC) and bit her at her residence in Abuja. We at the Emergency Response Africa deeply sympathise and extend our condolences to the family of Bercy Ogah.  

The death of Lance Corporal Bercy Ogah is one of the numerous incidents of snake bites. About 5 million people in the world are bitten by snakes every year and up to 2.5 million people suffer poisoning or envenomation. At least 100,000 of them die from the bites and about 300,000 amputated or suffer other permanent disabilities caused by snake bite. It is our goal to help ensure we reduce these needless deaths and save the lives of those bitten by snakes. 

 Late Lcpl Ogah Bercy

Snake bites should always be taken seriously. Though some are dry bites, which aren\’t as dangerous and will likely cause some swelling, others are venomous bites, which, if not treated carefully and quickly, can result in death. Always seek immediate medical attention if you or your loved ones have been bitten by a snake, as it could be a matter of life and death.

Snake bites can cause a variety of disabilities ranging from skin and soft tissue injury that causes scarring, to deeper muscle, connective tissue and vascular necrosis and gangrene leading to substantial loss of limb use or even amputation. Poor wound healing can lead to disfiguring contracture and permanent loss of function. Spitting cobras can spray venom into the eyes causing conjunctivitis, corneal ulceration and erosion and, ultimately, blindness. Some toxins in snake venoms can cause effects that indirectly damage the normal function of the kidneys, resulting in a need for long-term haemodialysis or even kidney transplantation. All of these types of injury require prolonged hospital treatment and extensive rehabilitation.

The Bite

Poisonous snakes inject venom using modified salivary glands. During envenomation (the bite that injects venom or poison), the venom passes from the venom gland through a duct into the snake\’s fangs, and finally into its prey.

Not all bites lead to envenomation. Snakes can regulate whether to release venom and how much to release. \”Dry Bites\” (a bite where no venom is injected) occur in between 25%-50% of snake bites.

This variation is species-specific with approximately 25% of pit-viper bites and up to 50% of coral snake bites being \”dry.\” Snake venom is a combination of numerous substances with varying effects.

In simple terms, these proteins can be divided into 4 categories:

• Cytotoxins cause local tissue damage.
• Hemotoxins cause internal bleeding.
• Neurotoxins affect the nervous system.
• Cardiotoxins act directly on the heart.

Snakebites are more common in tropical regions and primarily agricultural areas. In these areas, large numbers of people coexist with numerous snakes. If a snake bites you, call ERA (Emergency Response Africa) or your local emergency number immediately, especially if the bitten area changes color, begins to swell or is painful.

First Aid

Ensure you take these steps if you get bitten by a snake or encounter any snake bite victim:

• Seek medical attention as soon as possible (Call Emergency Response Africa (080002255372) or call any Emergency Medical Services).
• Antivenom is the treatment for serious snake envenomation. The sooner antivenom can be started, the sooner irreversible damage from venom can be stopped.
• Driving oneself to the hospital is not advised because people with snakebites can become dizzy or pass out.
• Take a photograph of the snake from a safe distance if possible. Identifying the snake can help with treatment of the snakebite.
• Keep calm.
• Update and inform ERA’s first responders of the situation as it progresses.
• Apply first aid while waiting for ERA’s paramedic to get you to the hospital.
• Lay or sit down with the bite in a neutral position of comfort.
• Remove rings and watches before swelling starts.
• Wash the bite with soap and water.
• Position yourself, if possible, so that the bite is at or below the level of your heart.
• Cover the bite with a clean, dry dressing.
• Mark the leading edge of tenderness/swelling on the skin and write the time alongside it.

Caution: Do NOT do any of the following

• Don\’t use a tourniquet or apply ice.
• Don\’t cut the wound or attempt to remove the venom.
• Don\’t drink caffeine or alcohol, which could speed your body\’s absorption of venom.
• Don\’t try to capture the snake. Try to remember its color and shape so that you can describe it, which will help in your treatment. If you have a smartphone with you and it won\’t delay your getting help, take a picture of the snake from a safe distance to help with identification.
• Do not pick up the snake or try to trap it. NEVER handle a venomous snake, not even a dead one or its decapitated head.
• Do not wait for symptoms to appear if bitten, get medical help right away.
• Do not try to suck out the venom.
• Do not apply ice or immerse the wound in water.
• Do not take pain relievers (such as aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen).
• Do not apply electric shock or folk therapies.

Symptoms

Most snakebites occur on the extremities. Typical symptoms of the bite from a nonvenomous snake are pain and scratches at the site. Usually, after a bite from a venomous snake, there is severe burning pain at the site within 15 to 30 minutes. This can progress to swelling and bruising at the wound and all the way up the arm or leg. Other signs and symptoms include nausea, labored breathing and a general sense of weakness, as well as an odd taste in the mouth.

Some snakes, such as coral snakes, have toxins that cause neurological symptoms, such as skin tingling, difficulty speaking and weakness.

Sometimes, a venomous snake can bite without injecting venom. The result of these \”dry bites\” is irritation at the site. Also note that signs or symptoms of a snake bite may vary depending on the type of snake, but may include:

• Puncture marks at the wound
• Redness, swelling, bruising, bleeding, or blistering around the bite
• Severe pain and tenderness at the site of the bite
• Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
• Labored breathing (in extreme cases, breathing may stop altogether)
• Rapid heart rate, weak pulse, low blood pressure
• Disturbed vision
• Metallic, mint, or rubber taste in the mouth
• Increased salivation and sweating
• Numbness or tingling around face and/or limbs
• Muscle twitching

20 Minute White Blood Cutting test

How can you prevent a snake bite from happening?

Depending on where you live (or choose to vacation), you may or may not have a hard time avoiding snakes. But if you\’re going to be in snake territory, there are some useful tips to avoid getting bitten:

• Always be careful where you put your hands and feet. Don’t reach into unknown spaces and holes, or underneath objects without first being sure a snake isn’t hiding underneath.
• Don’t lie down or sit down in areas where there might be snakes.
• Wear high-top leather boots when walking through or working in areas with dense vegetation.
• Do not attempt to capture, handle or keep venomous snakes.
• If you’re going camping, take extra care around swamps and other places where snakes typically live.
• If you come across a snake, slowly back away from it and avoid touching it.

Improving treatment for snakebite patients

Apart from the provision of safe, effective and affordable antivenoms, the most important step towards improving the treatment of snakebite envenoming is providing proper education and training to estates, and the general public. This is the major reason for documenting this solution. 

If you don’t act quickly, snake bites can be incredibly dangerous, sometimes resulting in death. Ensure you take preventative measures so that you can avoid having to deal with the complications from a venomous snake bite.