Experts debunk myths, show how to save lives
As per experts, the snake bitten area should be left alone, patient should be immobilised and taken to the hospital as soon as possible.
Mumbai: Experts say that widely held beliefs about cutting off the area of the body that has been bitten by a snake by tying it tightly and sucking out blood from the body reduces the venom’s effect is a myth and it worsens patient’s condition. In this case too, experts say the bitten area was tied, which could have led to the patient’s extreme condition.
After a snake has bitten a person, the bitten area needs to be immobilised. As per experts, in a snakebite situation, the bite area should not be cut, sucked, tied or tampered with as all these practices cause more damage than good. Sucking blood from the bite area to reduce the venom's effect is a myth. Any kind of jewelry or watch must be immediately removed as the bite area may swell.
“Position the victim’s body in such a way that the bite is at or below the level of the heart, it is one of the crucial points that must be followed," said Priyanka Kadam of SHE.
There are instructions on the list of things that should not be done to a snakebite victim. One of the crucial ones includes not cutting wound or attempting to remove the venom, instead cover it with a dressing. A tourniquet or ice should not be applied on the affected area. The patient should not drink anything.
People nearby should not try to catch the snake. It's safer to click a picture from a distance.
“A venomous snakebite treatment should start only after the patient starts showing signs of envenomation such as continuous bleeding from the bite wound, difficulty in breathing, drooping eyelids (ptosis), progressive swelling in the bite area,” added Kadam.