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DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — A person has been bitten by a snake. The species may be unknown.
The essentials if you need to act right now.
Keep still. Call 112. No tourniquet. Go to hospital now.
What might I see? Observable signs — no diagnosis required.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — One or two puncture marks, pain, swelling, or bleeding at the bite site.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Nausea, vomiting, dizziness, drooping eyelids, or difficulty breathing.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Rapid swelling spreading up the limb or darkening skin around the bite.
Optional deeper explanation — not required to act.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Snake venom can damage blood, nerves, or tissue depending on the species. Even non-venomous bites need wound care and tetanus evaluation.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Symptoms may develop slowly over hours — do not wait for swelling before seeking hospital care.
Check the scene before you approach.
Keep the bitten limb still — movement speeds venom spread.
Civilian-safe actions you can take.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Move the person away from the snake if it is still nearby — do not try to catch or kill it.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Call 112 or 108 — say "snake bite" and your exact location.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Keep the bitten person as still and calm as possible.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Remove tight jewellery, watches, or rings near the bite before swelling starts.
When and how to get professional help.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Do not attempt to capture the snake or give antivenom yourself. Focus on immobilization and rapid hospital transport.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Call 112 or 108. Say: "Snake bite. Person is conscious. Need ambulance to nearest hospital with antivenom."
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Stay on speaker. Tell them which limb was bitten and whether breathing is normal.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Do not drive yourself if symptoms are worsening — wait for ambulance if possible.
Dangerous actions, when not to attempt rescue, and common myths.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Do NOT apply a tourniquet or tight band above the bite — this can cause limb loss without helping.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Do NOT cut the wound, suck out venom, or use a suction device — these do not work and cause infection.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Do NOT give alcohol, herbal remedies, or ice directly on the bite.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — You should suck venom out of a snake bite or cut the wound open
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Suction and cutting do not remove venom effectively and cause serious infection and bleeding. Hospital antivenom is the treatment.
Other scenarios in the same family.
Active dog attack
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — A dog is currently biting, chasing, or mauling a person.
Bee/wasp swarm
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — A person is being stung by many bees or wasps, or has dozens of stings — a life-threatening emergency.
Rabid animal
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — A person was bitten, scratched, or had saliva contact with a wound from an animal acting rabid — foaming, paralysis, aggression, or unusual behavior.
Crocodile encounter
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — You or someone else is near, being attacked by, or was bitten by a crocodile or alligator.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Keep the bitten limb below heart level and immobilized — use a splint or sling if available.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Wash the area gently with clean water if available, but do not delay going to hospital.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Note the time of the bite and any description or photo of the snake from a safe distance.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Every snake bite needs emergency hospital evaluation — treat unknown bites as potentially venomous.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Antivenom decisions are made by doctors — arrive at hospital as soon as safely possible.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Wastes critical time and causes additional injury while venom continues to spread.