Snake Bite — Do’s and Don’ts

Snakebites are medical emergencies. The right first aid can save life and limb. Use this simple guide while you arrange immediate transport to the nearest hospital with antivenom (dial 108 in India).

First: Stay safe and act fast

• Move away from the snake to a safe place. Don’t try to catch or kill it.

• Keep the person calm and still. Anxiety and movement spread venom faster. Immobilize the whole person and the bitten limb (as you would for a fracture) using a splint; carry the person if possible.

• Remove tight items (rings, bangles, anklets, shoes) near the bite—swelling can trap them.

• Position for safety: if drowsy or vomiting, place on the left side (recovery position) with the mouth turned down to protect the airway.

• Nothing by mouth (food or drink) until seen at a health facility. Get to a hospital quickly—use an ambulance if available (108). Don’t let the victim run or drive.

The “NEVER DO” list

• No tourniquet (tight band/rope). It can cut off blood supply and cause gangrene.

• Do not cut, incise, or suck the wound. No “black stones,” herbal pastes, chemicals, ice, electric shocks, or local antivenom injections. These cause harm and delay proper care.

• Do not wash, scrub, or massage the bite—this can increase venom absorption and bleeding.

• Do not give alcohol or painkillers like aspirin/ibuprofen (they increase bleeding risk). If needed, paracetamol is safer.

• Do not chase the snake. A photo from a safe distance may help, but your priority is rapid transport.

What you can do while waiting for transport

• Immobilize the limb with a splint and keep it below heart level. Keep the patient still and warm.

• Note the time of bite and any symptoms (swelling, drooping eyelids, trouble speaking/breathing, bleeding). Share these with hospital staff.

• Pressure-immobilization bandage (PIB): This is not a routine first aid in India. It may be considered only by trained personnel and mainly for neurotoxic bites that do not cause local swelling (e.g., certain cobra/krait situations). If trained help is not present, do not attempt PIB—just immobilize and transport.

When to go to the hospital (don’t wait)

Always. Even if you feel fine at first—some dangerous effects are delayed. Antivenom and observation are hospital treatments; early care improves outcomes.

What will happen at the hospital (so you know)

Doctors will observe for signs of envenoming, support breathing/circulation, and give antivenom if indicated. They avoid harmful drugs and monitor for complications. You may need to stay for observation (often at least 24 hours).

Quick myth-busters

• “Tying a tight band saves life.” False—tourniquets can cost a limb.

• “Cutting or sucking removes venom.” False—it adds injury and infection, removes negligible venom.

• “Herbal remedies/black stones cure bites.” False—no proven benefit; they delay lifesaving care.

Prevention tips (everyday habits)

• Wear sturdy shoes and use a torch at night; avoid walking barefoot.

• Keep surroundings clear of tall grass, rodent food sources, and clutter.

• Use well-tucked bed nets or raised cots when sleeping in snake-prone areas.

• Learn local emergency numbers and the quickest route to a facility with antivenom.

Summary

Keep the person calm, still, and nil-by-mouth. Immobilize the limb, remove tight items, avoid all harmful “home treatments,” and get to a hospital fast (call 108). Antivenom and supportive care save lives and limbs.