Need help right now?
If someone needs immediate help with venomous snake bite, use emergency mode.
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DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — A person was bitten by a snake known or strongly suspected to be venomous (e.g., cobra, krait, viper, rattlesnake).
The essentials if you need to act right now.
Call 112. Stay still. No tourniquet. 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.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Known dangerous species in the area — cobra hood, krait bands, viper triangular head.
Optional deeper explanation — not required to act.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Venomous snake bites can cause paralysis, bleeding problems, tissue damage, or shock. Some species (like krait) may cause minimal pain at first but life-threatening paralysis later.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Time to hospital matters — antivenom is most effective when given early by trained staff.
Check the scene before you approach.
Any movement of the bitten limb accelerates venom absorption.
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.
Suspected venomous bites need antivenom evaluation within hours — earlier is better.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Do not delay transport trying to identify the snake up close. A photo from a safe distance helps doctors.
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 — A tight tourniquet above the bite stops venom from spreading
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Tourniquets trap venom in the limb, cause dangerous swelling, and can lead to amputation without improving survival. Immobilization and hospital care are correct.
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 — Watch breathing closely — if lips turn blue or chest stops moving, start CPR immediately.
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 — Limb damage and false reassurance while systemic venom effects continue.