First aid treatment


Here are some do’s and dont’s when treating a victim.
DONT's in a snake bite
•   Do not wait to see if the bite causes any problems, treat it straight away.
•   Do not allow the patient to panic and run around which increases heart rate and inturn increases the spread of venom. Always carry the patient.
•   Do not cut or suck the bite wound (it’s not a Rambo movie)
•   Do not give aspirins (paracetamols are OK if there’s pain or fever), fruit juices (anything with high levels of Potasium like King coconut) or alcohol. Some of these increases the absorption of venom and may also cause kidney damages. 
•   Do not put tourniquets (‘thiringa’) or tie up above the bite wound. These will cut out the blood supply for the whole limb which will cause severe tissue damage. 
•   Do not apply cold compresses or ice to a snake bite.
•   Do not follow local medicine (goda beheth). Most of these will cause more harm than good.
•   Don't waste time (or your life) searching for or trying to kill the snake. In modern medicine you don’t need the snake to choose medicine. Patients are treated according to symptoms NOT the species of snake that bit him but it would be beneficial if you bring the snake dead or alive. And Transport – Quickly, safely with minimum movement.

DO's in a snake bite
•   Keep the person calm, Reassure him/her that bites can be effectively treated and can be cures whole. Poison spreads faster if the heart beats faster. And don’t let him move here and there because the muscles in the leg will pump the venom to the heart much quickly (put a splint or sling).
•   Wash the bite area with clean water.
•   Keep the affected area below heart level to reduce the flow of venom towards other body.
•   In Sri Lanka, do not try to put a pressure bandage (as recommended for certain countries like Australia). Some of the snakes, especially cobras will cause necrosis (rotting of the skin and muscles) and a pressure bandage is not the best for this.
•   If possible, monitor the person's important signs temperature, pulse, rate of breathing etc. If there are signs of shock, lay the person flat, raise the feet about a foot, and cover the person with a blanket. If he is not in shock don’t raise the Leg above heart level.
•   Remove rings, bracelets, watches etc. as if swelling takes place it’ll be painful to remove these.
•   Take the patient to the nearest governmental hospital ASAP. Most hospitals are equipped to treat snake bites.