Snake Bite: Dangers and First Aid Methods
One of the biggest dangers you can encounter while hiking or being in rural areas is It is a snake bite.. The risk of encountering snakes increases in Türkiye, especially in hot weather, and this can lead to serious health problems. Although snake bites are not always fatal, they can be life-threatening if the right intervention is not done. In this article, we will discuss in detail what to do in the event of a snake bite.
Don't Panic, Stay Calm
The first and most important rule in case of snake bite not to panic. Panic can increase the heart rate, causing the venom to spread more quickly throughout the body. The bitten person should be kept as calm as possible and sudden movements should be avoided. This can slow down the spread of the venom. The bitten person sitting or lying down It is important that you do not move the person, as this is a critical step to avoid making the situation worse.
Call Emergency Help
The first thing to do in case of snake bite is, call emergency medical services. Professional health care is of vital importance, especially in cases of poisonous snake bites. antidotecan only be done in a hospital setting. Therefore, it is vital to keep the casualty immobile in a safe place until the ambulance arrives.
Keep the Bitten Area Down
The bitten limb, should be kept below heart level. This helps prevent the rapid spread of the venom through the bloodstream. The bitten area should be immobilized if possible, but should never be squeezed. This area, which should be moved slowly, should not be put in a difficult position by applying a tourniquet that completely cuts off blood circulation.
Avoid Wrong First Aid Methods
Many wrong practices known among the public can make the situation worse in case of a snake bite. First of all, make a tourniquet, cutting the bite site or trying to suck out the venom. These methods can cause further tissue damage and infection instead of preventing the spread of the venom. should not be interfered with with a knife and no attempt should be made to suck out the poison.
Clean the Bite Area, But Do Not Bandage It
The bitten area can be gently washed with clean water. However, germicide or chemical application should be avoided and should not be wrapped with a tight bandage. If there is an open wound, it can be covered lightly with a sterile cloth. However, pressure that will prevent blood circulation should definitely be avoided.
Monitor Symptoms
After a snake bite, usually Symptoms begin to appear within a few minutes. Symptoms such as severe pain, swelling, redness, bruising, nausea, dizziness, sweating, confusion and shortness of breath may be observed. If these symptoms are present, the patient's condition may be critical. The patient should be closely observed and their condition should be constantly evaluated until medical help arrives.
Do Not Try to Catch or Kill the Snake
It may be useful to try to identify the biting snake, but this should not create a new danger. If the snake's color, size or distinctive features can be observed from a safe distance, this information can be passed on to medical teams. However, Trying to catch or kill a snake is strongly discouraged..
Do Not Use Alcohol and Painkillers
After snake bite, the patient alcohol, caffeine or aspirin Such substances should not be given. These substances can affect circulation, accelerate the spread of the venom and make treatment difficult. Snake bite is a serious condition; however, with the right intervention, the risk of death can be greatly reduced.
Take Precautions
While spending time in nature closed shoes ve long-legged clothes Taking precautions such as choosing a path, carefully observing the surroundings during a walk, and staying away from bushes will minimize the risk of snake bites. And most importantly, remember to contact the nearest health institution as quickly as possible.
