Snake bite

It is estimated that around 2 million bites from poisonous snakes occur worldwide every year and result in at least 100,000 to 125,000 deaths per year, especially in Asia, sub-Saharan Africa and Latin America. They are more common in rural areas. The poison from a snake is a complex mixture of toxins, mainly used to immobilize and sometimes to start digesting the prey. In many cases, you feel the bite immediately and the snake is easily identified. Signs suggestive of severe poisoning: Confirmation of a dangerous snake bite, rapid development of local blisters or bruises, persistent or spontaneous bleeding, lethargy, muscle weakness, seizures, etc. Diagnosis is based on the symptoms and geographical area. There are some laboratory kits that help to identify the type of poison. First aid includes: Remove the patient from the snake’s territory, keeping them calm and at rest, removing jewelry or footwear on the affected limb, immobilizing the injured part of the body, applying a pressure bandage and moving the patient to an appropriate medical center.

In the medical center, treatment measures shall be applied for the severe symptoms, such as respiratory depression and shock followed by timely administration of antidotes. The tetanus vaccine will also be administered.