Snakebite

Why do snakes bite? Who do snakes bite? And what should be done when bitten by a snake? We don't often hear questions like these asked in normal conversation. This is because snakes are not very common animals like dogs and cats that can be easily spotted in households.

In the Philippines, out if the few hundred species of snakes, there are thirty poisonous snakes that can be identified. Snakes can be found in rural areas, especially farmlands and rivers where they can easily prey on smaller animals and live in the moist. This also makes people in rural areas prone to snake encounters and snake bites something that should not be taken lightly, even from non-venomous snakes.

Five million snake bites are recorded worldwide yearly and causes about 125,000 deaths. This number should not be taken lightly, considering that snakes are only common in tropical regions and in agricultural areas.

Snakes bite when they are attacked. Most people who encounter snakes commit the mistake of engaging the snake and turning aggressive towards it making the snake defensive. When you encounter a snake in the wilderness, it if doesn't harm you first, it's best to just keep away from the snake instead of trying to kill it.

Snake bites that lead to deaths are not only caused by the venom from the snake. Infection, tetanus, as well as improper handling or treatment of the bite can lead to more deaths. So when faced with this problem, one must be able to provide first-aid as well a treatment to lessen the harm that can result from the bite.

However, not all snake bites are fatal. A majority of snakes are not poisonous.

Poisonous Snakes

Cobra
Copperhead
Coral snake
Cottonmouth (water moccasin)
Rattlesnake
Various snakes found in zoos

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

Depend on the type of snake, but may include:

Bleeding from wound
Blurred vision
Burning of the skin
Convulsions
Diarrhea
Dizziness
Excessive sweating
Fainting
Fang marks in the skin
Fever
Increased thirst
Collapse (hypotension, shock)
Nausea
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Severe headache
“Heaviness” of the eyelids
Inappropriate drowsiness

TREATMENT

First aid treatment is carried out immediately or very soon after the bite before the patient reaches a dispensary or hospital.

Reassure the victim who may be very anxious.
Immobilize the whole of the patient’s body by laying him/her down in a comfortable and safe position. Make sure to immobilize the bitten limb with a splint or sling.
Apply pressure if necessary.
Avoid any interference with the bite wound (incisions, rubbing, vigorous cleaning, massage, application of herbs or chemicals) as this may introduce infection, increase absorption of the venom, and increase local bleeding.
Bring the patient to the hospital.
Antivenom is the only effective antidote for snake venom.

DON'T s

Do not make the patient tired.
Do not use tourniquet.
Do not use ice pack on the bite marks.
Do not puncture, pinch, or scrape bitten area.
Do not suck in venom from the patient’s open wound.
Do not give medication not prescribed by the doctor.
Do not elevate the wound at the same level or higher than the chest/heart area..