India has a number of dark dense forests. These forests are the best habitat for a number of wild animals, birds and reptiles. Among the reptiles, Indian forests are home to around 270 species of snakes. Among those 270, 60 species of snakes are highly venomous. Some of the most dangerous snakes of India are Krait, Saw – scaled Viper, Indian Cobra and Russel Viper. The most common non-venomous snake found in India is the Rat Snake.
Every year these venomus snakes become the cause of death of nearly 20,000 people of India. A Snake bite in India usually turns out to be fatal as there are few places where proper medical assistance is available for such cases. Also, most snake bites of poisonous snakes cannot be treated with a natural antidote. Proper medical treatment is needed in such cases. In this article we will know How to treat a snake bite in the wild in India.
Understanding the symptoms
While walking in the jungle, often people dismiss the pain of a snake bite as a pain due to a cut from branches. So, knowing the symptoms of a snake bite makes it easy to recognize if the pain is a result of the snake bite or not. Following are the symptoms of snake bite:
- Fang Mark
- Swelling and pain at the region of the snake bite
- Burning sensation
- Bloody discharge from the wound
- Blurred vision
- Excessive sweating
- Diarrhea
- Numbness or tingling sensation
- Vomiting
- Fever
- Increase in thirst
- Quickening of pulse
- Loss in muscle coordination
- Fainting
- Weakness or dizziness
- Convulsions
Calm the patient
On recognizing a snake bite people often panic. So, calming the person who has been bitten is of vital importance. Take the person out of the jungle or into some safe place where there isn't any fear of poisonous organisms.
Remove any clothing or Jewellery
Any jewellery or clothing near the affected region must be removed immediately. This is because snake bites cause rapid swelling and any tight clothes or jewellery could worsten blood circulation.
Clean the wound with water
If there is a nearby stream of water or you have bottled water then gently clean the wound by using water on a soaked clean piece of cloth.
Lie the person down
Make the affected person lie down in a position where the wound is below his/her heart.
Sucking out the Venom
In the rural region of India, people often suck out the venom and spit it out. It may save the life of the bitten person. But the person who haa sucked out the venom comes under great risk. Sometimes the person who has sucked out the venom eventually dies. So, this method is not recommended at all.
Get Medical Aid
Get medical aid as soon as possible. Only professional help can successfully cure snake bites.
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