A snakebite can become a medical emergency within minutes, and panic can make the situation even more dangerous. With the monsoon increasing encounters between snakes and people, doctors are urging the public to avoid traditional remedies and self-treatment and seek medical care without delay.
Not every snakebite results in venom poisoning, but there is no reliable way for someone at the scene to determine whether a bite is harmless. The safest approach is to treat every suspected snakebite seriously and seek medical attention as quickly as possible.
“The most important thing is to avoid wasting time on home remedies or traditional treatments,” says Dr. Gunjan Chanchalani, Director Critical Care, Wockhardt Hospital, Mumbai Central. “A person who has been bitten should be taken to the nearest hospital capable of providing appropriate evaluation and anti-snake venom when required.”
What Should You Do Immediately After a Snakebite?
The first priority is to keep the victim calm and as still as possible. Physical activity can increase circulation and potentially accelerate the spread of venom. The affected limb should be immobilised, and the person should avoid walking unless there is no other option.
If possible, arrange transportation to a hospital rather than asking the victim to walk or travel alone. Rings, watches, bangles, anklets and other tight items should be removed from the affected limb as soon as possible, as swelling may develop and cause these objects to become increasingly restrictive.
If the snake can be identified safely from a distance, remembering its colour, pattern or general appearance may help doctors. However, people should never chase, catch, kill or handle the snake, as this could result in another bite.
Avoid These Common Snakebite Mistakes
Several traditional first-aid practices can cause additional harm. People should not cut the wound, attempt to suck out venom, apply ice, chemicals, herbs or other substances, or tightly tie a tourniquet around the affected limb unless specifically instructed by trained medical professionals.
“An improperly applied tourniquet can compromise blood circulation and cause additional tissue injury,” Dr. Chanchalani explains. “Attempts to suck out venom or make cuts around the bite do not remove clinically significant amounts of venom and can increase complications.”
Alcohol should also be avoided, as should medicines that have not been prescribed for the situation. Most importantly, people should not remain at home waiting for symptoms to develop. A person may initially appear well despite having suffered potentially serious envenomation, making early medical assessment particularly important.
Why Can a Snakebite Become Life-Threatening?
The effects of a snakebite depend on several factors, including the snake species, the amount of venom injected and the location of the bite. Venom can affect the nervous system, interfere with blood clotting, damage tissues and impair kidney function.
Some patients may develop weakness, breathing difficulties, abnormal bleeding, severe swelling or other complications that require urgent treatment. In severe cases, intensive monitoring, breathing support or blood products may be needed.
Anti-snake venom is not automatically required after every snakebite. Doctors assess the patient’s symptoms, examination findings and other clinical evidence before determining whether it is necessary. “Snakebite treatment is time-sensitive, and the patient’s condition can change rapidly,” says Dr. Chanchalani. “Early assessment allows us to monitor for signs of envenomation and provide appropriate treatment when necessary.”
Another dangerous misconception is that treatment should begin only after the snake has been positively identified. In reality, identifying the snake should never delay medical care. The same applies when a bite initially appears small or painless. The absence of obvious symptoms in the early stages does not necessarily mean there is no danger.
The safest response is simple: stay calm, keep the victim still, immobilise the affected limb, remove restrictive items, avoid harmful remedies and reach a hospital as quickly as possible.
When it comes to snakebites, knowing what not to do can be just as important as knowing what to do. The decisions made in the first few minutes can have serious consequences.