SURVIVING SNAKE BITES: ESSENTIAL FIRST
AID & IDENTIFICATION IN INDIA
STAY SAFE AND INFORMED
by Dr. ADRIAN DEBBARMA
F.M.O ADB GCS
DATE: 20TH JULY 2024
TYPES OF VENOMOUS SNAKES IN INDIA
Indian Cobra King Cobra
•One of the most common •Largest venomous snake in India.
venomous snakes. •Can grow up to 18 feet.
•Can grow up to 6 feet. •Capable of delivering large amounts of
•Distinctive hood marks. venom.
Russell’s Viper
Saw Scaled Viper
•Responsible for most
•Small but highly venomous.
snakebite deaths in
•Second-highest number of
Southeast Asia.
snakebite deaths.
•Triangular head, can
•Distinctive saw-like scale
grow up to 6 feet.
pattern.
IDENTIFYING VENOMOUS SNAKES BY THEIR
PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS
TRIANGULAR HEAD VERTICAL PUPILS
Most venomous snakes in India have Venomous snakes have vertically
triangular-shaped heads. elliptical pupils, like a cat’s, instead of
round pupils like a dog’s.
PIT BETWEEN EYES AND NOSETRILS BRIGHT AND DISTINCTIVE COLOURS
Pit Vipers have a heat-sensitive pit Many venomous snakes in India have
between the eye and nostril. natural camouflage, but some have
bright and distinctive colors used to
scare off predators.
TYPES OF SNAKE VENOM AND THEIR EFFECTS
• Neurotoxic Venom
• Affects the nervous system
• Causes paralysis/muscle weakness
• Found in cobras, kraits
• Hemotoxic Venom
• Targets blood/tissue
• Causes blood vessel/tissue damage
• Found in vipers, pit vipers
• Cytotoxic Venom
• Damages cells/tissue at bite site
• Causes local swelling/pain, tissue necrosis
• Found in some vipers, pit vipers
• Necrotic Venom
• Causes tissue necrosis/cell death at bite site
• Found in some vipers, pit vipers
• Cardiotoxic Venom
• Affects the cardiovascular system
• Causes irregular heartbeats, cardiac arrest
• Found in some cobras
• Hemorrhagic Venom
• Causes internal bleeding, organ damage
• Found in saw-scaled vipers
• Proteolytic Venom
• Contains enzymes that break down proteins/tissues
• Leads to tissue damage
• Found in some vipers, pit vipers
• Myotoxic Venom
• Damages muscle tissue
• Causes muscle pain, weakness, kidney damage
• Found in various vipers
FIRST AID FOR SNAKE BITES
Seek Medical Attention ASAP
(Even if unsure if the snake was venomous, seek medical attention immediately.)
1.Stay Calm
•Stay as calm as possible to slow down venom spread.
2.Remove Jewellery & Tight Clothing
•Remove any jewellery or tight clothing before swelling occurs.
3.Keep the Affected Limb Immobilised
•Keep the affected limb still and below heart level if possible.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR AND ASK?
Difficulty Breathing
Local Edema •Some bites cause respiratory
Bite Marks
•Check for swelling or edema. issues.
•Identify size and shape of bite marks.
•Indicates local reaction to the bite. •Look for signs of breathing
•Helps determine the snake species.
difficulty.
If a person has been bitten by a
snake, you might observe:
• Bleeding
• Swelling
• Bruising
• Pain
• Numbness
• Weakness
• Confusion
• Affected vision
• Affected speech
• Nausea or vomiting
• Cardiac arrest
• Difficult breathing
WHAT DO I DO?
1.Keep the Bite Below the Heart
•Keep the affected limb below the level of the heart
to slow down the spread of venom.
2.Wash the Bite with Soap and Water
•Wash the affected area with soap and water.
3.Apply a Pressure Bandage
•Apply a pressure bandage to slow the spread of
venom.
WHAT NOT TO DO WHEN BITTEN BY A SNAKE!
Do NOT:
1.Panic and run around.
2.Attempt to suck out the venom.
Do NOT:
1.Apply ice to the bite area.
2.Cut the bite wound.
Do NOT:
1.Drink alcohol or caffeine.
2.Use a tourniquet or apply a tight bandage.
How to Transport a Patient with a
Snake Bite
1 Keep Calm and
Comfortable
Transport the patient in a
comfortable and calm
Transport in a 2 manner.
Vehicle
If available, use a vehicle to
transport the patient to the
hospital. Avoid walking or
3 Do NOT Delay Medical
carrying the patient for long
distances.
Attention
Get the patient to the
hospital as quickly as
possible.
Snake Bite Prevention
Tips
Wear Protective Pay Attention to Do NOT Try to
Clothing Your Handle Snakes
Surroundings
When walking Be aware of your Never try to handle
through areas where surroundings and or pick up a snake,
snakes may be look out for snakes, even if you think it's
present, wear especially in areas not venomous.
protective clothing where they may be
such as long pants common.
and boots.
THANK
YOU
