Effective first aid in the event of Snake bite

1	Reassure the victim
	Calm the victim down. Un-necessary panic will only raise the pulse rate and blood pressure and moves the venom into the system faster. Tell the victim that 70% of snakebites are from non-poisonous species. Of the remaining 30%, only half will actually involve injecting venom. The chances are they are OK!
2	Immobilise the bitten limb without compression.
	If the bite is on a hand or arm place it in a sling bandage or use a piece of cloth to support the arm. In the case of a leg bite, use a splint to support both legs and bandage them together. Do not tie the bandages tightly, we are only trying to immobilise not apply any pressure.
3	Get the patient to Hospital as fast as safely possible.
	Don’t waste time washing the wound, seeking traditional remedies or applying any drugs or chemicals to the victim. Science has shown that traditional remedies do not work and simply waste valuable time. Snakestones do not absorb venom and many herbal remedies make the situation worse. Keep the patient as immobile as possible.
4	Tell the Doctor any of the following signs appearing on the way to the hospital.
	The Doctor will want to know if any of the following signs or symptoms are noticeable on the journey to the hospital: Difficulty breathing. If the patient stops breathing, give artificial respiration. In Cobra and Krait bites this will save the victims life. Drooping eyelids Bleeding from the gums or any unusual bruising appearing. Increases in any swelling. Carry a pen and mark the limit of the swelling every 10 minutes or so Drowsiness Difficulty speaking Bleeding from the wound that does not seem to stop