Snake Bites

Under Supervision

Dr. Eman Alaa Eldin

Prepared By
Shimaa Abo Ghanima
Snake Bite
It can be difficult to know if a bite from a snake is dangerous or
not. This article explains the best first aid treatment depending
on the type of snake
It’s important to be aware that bites from snakes can cause a
severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) in some people. Learn
more about first aid treatment for severe allergic reactions in the
‘anaphylaxis’ section below
Different types of snake bites
Dry bites
A dry bite is when the snake strikes but no venom is released.
Dry bites will be painful and may cause swelling and redness
around the area of the snake bite
Because you can’t tell if a snake’s bite is a dry bite always
assume that you have been injected with venom, and
manage the bite as a medical emergency.
Once medically assessed, there is usually no need for
further treatment, such as with antivenoms. Many snake
bites in Australia do not result in envenomation, and so
they can be managed without antivenom
Check your symptoms with health direct’s Symptom
Checker to get advice on when to seek medical attention.

Venomous bites
Venomous bites are when the snake bites and releases
venom (poison) into a wound. Snake venom contains
poisons which are designed to stun, numb, or kill other
animals
Symptoms of a venomous bite include
severe pain around the bite, this might come on late
swelling, bruising or bleeding from the bite

bite marks on the skin (these might be obvious puncture wounds or

)almost invisible small scratches
swollen and tender glands in the armpit or groin of the limb that
has been bitten
tingling, stinging, burning or abnormal feelings of the skin
feeling anxious
)nausea (feeling sick) or vomiting (being sick
blurred vision
headache
Breathing difficulties
problems swallowing
stomach pain
muscle weakness
confusion
collapse
First aid for snake bites
Including:
cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) if needed.
Call 123 for an ambulance.
Cover the bite loosely with a clean, dry bandage.

keep the person calm and as still as possible until medical help arrives
Avoid washing the bite area because any venom left on the skin can
help identify the snake
DO NOT apply a tourniquet, cut the wound or attempt to suck the
venom out
Take off all jewelry and tight clothing to avoid problems with swelling
Keep the area of the bite below the heart to keep venom from
spreading
Keep the person as still as possible to keep venom from spreading
Help the person stay calm to prevent shock

Anti venom
AVS Anti Venom Snake
Should be taken within the first 4hours after the snake bite and may be
effective for 2 week or more after the bite

References
https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/snake-bites
https://www.webmd.com/first-aid/ss/slideshow-
snakebite-treatment
/https://scholar.google.com