Before you (or a companion who has been bitten) reach a doctor and anti-venom can be administered, make sure to take these simple life-saving steps:
- Withdraw from the snake to prevent another bite. If possible, identify it before it flees - a photograph could be invaluable.
- If the snake is dead, take it with you to the doctor (but if it has hidden, don't waste time looking for it).
- Stay calm - panic will only aggravate the situation. Sit or lie down, and remove rings and other restrictive clothing or jewellery.
- Apply a broad pressure bandage to the affected area.
- Phone ahead to warn the hospital of your arrival so that they can be ready to start treatment immediately.
- If you are bitten while alone in the bush, make your way slowly but steadily to where you can call for help. Drive slowly, too, because your reactions may be impaired by the venom.
How to void getting bitten by a snake
There is no need te be paranoid - just vigilant. Common sense is usually all that is required to prevent snake bites
- Keep a safe distance away.
- Do not attempt to handle, capture or tease any snake. Leave it to the experts.
- The snake is almost always as scared of you as you are of it. Given the opportunity, it will move away without much coaxing.
- Baby snakes are just as deadly as their mothers, so don't be fooled into thinking that a snakeling is harmless.
- If you in an area where venomous snakes live, make a note of hospital/doctor phone numbers and addresses