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1 day ago
Overview
Never Suck Out Snake Venom!" - Pediatrist Dr Odera Nwankwo
What would you do if you or someone close to you was bitten by a venomous snake? Would you know the right first aid to give, or could your actions make the situation even worse?
Dr. Odera Nwankwo, a Pediatric Intensivist and Associate Professor of Pediatrics, has shared simple but life-saving advice on how to help a snakebite victim before they get to the hospital.
He explained that some snakebites cause local symptoms, such as pain, swelling, and redness around the bite, while others allow the venom to spread throughout the body. When this happens, it can become a medical emergency and may even be fatal if treatment is delayed.
According to Dr. Nwankwo, the victim should be kept calm, the affected arm or leg should be kept as still as possible, the head should be properly supported, and firm pressure may be applied over the bite area where appropriate. He stressed that the victim should be taken to the nearest hospital immediately for proper medical care.
He also warned against common mistakes that many people make after a snakebite. These include trying to suck out the venom with the mouth, cutting the bite with a knife, or tying a tight tourniquet around the affected limb. He said these actions can make the injury worse instead of helping.
Dr. Nwankwo urged the public to treat every suspected venomous snakebite as a medical emergency and seek professional treatment as quickly as possible.
Credit: otrasane on NL
