Precautions to Be Taken in a Snake Bite and Hospital Services

Positioning:

• Keep the bite site at or below heart level: This helps slow down the spread of venom. Avoid raising the bitten area above the heart.

Remove Tight Clothing or Jewellery:

• Remove rings, watches, or tight clothing: As the bitten area may swell, it’s important to remove anything that could constrict blood flow.

Clean the Bite Area Gently:

• Do not wash or cut the wound: Avoid washing the bite site, as the venom might be needed for identification at our hospital. Do not try to suck out the venom or cut the wound.
• If possible, clean the area around the bite gently with clean water to reduce the risk of infection.

Do Not Apply Ice or Tourniquets:

• Avoid applying ice, cold packs, or tourniquets: These methods can cause tissue damage and worsen the effects of venom. Restricting blood flow with a tourniquet may lead to gangrene or other complications.

Transport the Victim to our hospital Immediately:

• Seek immediate medical attention: Call emergency services or transport the victim to the nearest hospital as quickly as possible. Time is critical in snake bite cases, especially if the snake is venomous.

Keep Track of Symptoms:

• Monitor symptoms: Keep an eye on the victim’s symptoms. Note the time of the bite and watch for any signs of venomous effects, such as swelling, pain, difficulty breathing, or blurred vision.

Try to Identify the Snake (Without Risk):

• Describe the snake to medical professionals: If it’s safe, try to remember details about the snake, such as color, pattern, or size. However, do not attempt to capture or kill the snake.

Hospital Services for Snake Bite Management

When a patient arrives at our hospital after a snake bite, the medical team will follow a standardized protocol to assess and manage the bite. Our hospital services include:

Emergency Triage and Assessment:

• Immediate assessment: Upon arrival, the patient will undergo a rapid triage to evaluate the severity of the bite, assess vital signs and monitor symptoms of envenomation (venom spreading).
• Symptom monitoring: The healthcare team will observe for symptoms such as swelling, pain, bleeding, difficulty breathing and neurological effects like paralysis.

Administration of Antivenom (If Necessary):

• Antivenom administration: If the snake is venomous, antivenom is the primary treatment to neutralize the snake’s venom. The antivenom is administered through an IV (intravenous) drip and should be given as early as possible to be most effective.
• Antivenom selection: Based on the description of the snake or symptoms, doctors will decide the appropriate antivenom, especially in areas with multiple species of venomous snakes.
• Observation for allergic reactions: Since antivenom can sometimes cause allergic reactions or anaphylaxis, patients are closely monitored after administration for any signs of reaction.

Supportive Care and Symptom Management:

• Pain management: Pain relief medications (analgesics) are given to alleviate severe pain at the bite site.
• Fluids and blood pressure management: Patients may receive IV fluids to maintain hydration and stabilize blood pressure, especially in cases of shock.
• Breathing support: In cases of severe envenomation affecting the respiratory system, the patient may require oxygen or mechanical ventilation to assist with breathing.
• Wound care: The bite site is cleaned and monitored for signs of infection or necrosis. In cases where tissue damage occurs, additional wound management may be required.

Monitoring for Complications:

• Blood tests: Doctors may perform blood tests to assess the effects of the venom, including blood clotting issues or muscle damage (rhabdomyolysis).
• Continuous monitoring: Vital signs, urine output and heart function are continuously monitored to detect any signs of venom-induced organ damage or failure.

Treatment for Specific Complications:

• Coagulation issues: Snake venom can disrupt the blood’s ability to clot, leading to hemorrhage. In such cases, blood products or clotting factors may be administered.
• Kidney support: In cases of venom that affects the kidneys, dialysis may be required if kidney function deteriorates.
• Neurological support: If the venom affects the nervous system, leading to paralysis or neurological symptoms, additional treatments may be provided to manage these complications.

Observation and Recovery:

• Extended observation: Patients may need to stay in our hospital for several days for continued observation, even if they initially appear stable. Some effects of venom can take hours or even days to fully manifest.
• Follow-up care: After discharge, patients may need follow-up visits to monitor for delayed complications, including long-term effects on organs, muscle function, or wound healing.

Education and Prevention:

• Patient education: Before discharge, healthcare providers will educate the patient on how to avoid future snake bites and how to care for the bite wound to prevent infection.
• Vaccination: In areas where snakebites are common, patients may also be vaccinated against tetanus, as snake bites can introduce bacteria into the body.

The precautions following a snake bite are crucial in slowing the spread of venom and minimizing complications. Immediate actions such as keeping calm, immobilizing the limb and seeking medical attention are key to ensuring the best outcome for the patient.

At our hospital, the dialed-in management of snake bites includes the timely administration of antivenom, supportive care and monitoring for complications. By providing specialized emergency care, hospitals play a vital role in managing snake bite victims, saving lives and reducing the potential for long-term complications from venom exposure.