Snake Bite First Aid

What to do if you are bitten by a Snake?

If someone is bitten by a snake, you won’t know if it’s a dry bite or a venomous bite – so to be
safe, always treat any bite as a venomous bite.

Dry bites, whereby no venom is released, are painful and cause localised redness and swelling.

If the bite is venomous, other symptoms may include a stinging or burning sensation on the skin
and feelings of nausea, dizziness, anxiousness and confusion. In severe cases, the bite may result
in paralysis or coma.

Only a handful of people die from a venomous snake bite in Australia each year. Knowing what
to do if bitten by a snake and giving proper first aid is essential in keeping those numbers down
and reducing them even further.

Snake venom is carried in the lymphatic system and not in the blood stream, as many mistakenly
believe. That’s why the main aim of snake bite first aid is to reduce lymphatic flow by applying
continuous firm pressure over the affected limb. This is known as the Pressure Immobilisation
Technique (PIT).Immediate first aid should be applied to any snake bite victim.

Step 1
Lay the victim down and provide reassurance. Do not move the victim unless further danger is present.

Step 2

With a broad (minimum 7.5cm wide) elastic bandage such as setopress, start at the toes (or hand
if bitten on the arm) and wrap the bandage very firmly up the entire limb. If the bandage does not
cover the entire limb, start with a new bandage at the point the last bandaged finished until the
entire limb is covered. The compression bandage should be firm enough to reduce lymphatic
movement but not constrict blood flow. Ensure you leave the tips of the toes/fingers
out to monitor circulation. The compression bandage should be firm enough to reduce lymphatic
movement but not constrict blood flow. Ensure you leave the tips of the toes/fingers out to monitor
circulation.
Step 3
Once the entire limb has been covered, mark the bite site with a pen or some dirt from the ground. This is
helpful for emergency services personnel.
Step 4

Once the entire limb has been covered, mark the bite site with a pen or some dirt from the
ground. This is helpful for emergency services personnel.

Splint the limb (including joints) to prevent movement. For bites to the leg, this can be achieved
by strapping the legs together using slings or other suitable material.

Bites to the arm can be supported in a sling or splinted. Do not remove the bandage once applied.

Make the victim comfortable and continue to provide reassurance until arrival of emergency
services.

.DO NOT wash the bite site

.DO NOT attempt to cut the venom out of the limb
.DO NOT attempt to suck the venom out of the limb

.DO NOT apply a tourniquet to the limb

.DO NOT move the person unless in immediate danger
.DO NOT try to catch and identify the snake
 First aid for dog bites
Most dog bites are minor and simple to treat but what should you do for a severe dog bite?

Like most types of animal bites - including those from humans - dog bites can usually be treated
with simple first aid at home to prevent the bite from being infected, which is the most common
complication. Animal saliva contains millions of bacteria that can lead to an infection.

Dog bites and strikes are responsible for around 6,740 hospital admissions a year in England
alone.

What kind of wound is made by a dog bite?

When a dog bites, the front teeth are used to grasp the victim, while the other teeth pull at the
surrounding skin as they bite. The result can be a deep hole in the skin causing a puncture
wound, made by the front teeth, and a jagged wound or laceration (cut) with a scraped section of
skin, or abrasion. As children are smaller, the neck and facial area, especially the lips, nose and
cheek, are the most common areas for them to be bitten. The hands, arms, legs and feet are more
commonly bitten in adults.

How should I treat a minor dog bite?

If you, or someone you know, is bitten by a dog more than likely it will be a minor bite that can
be treated at home by following these steps:

 Clean the wound immediately: run it under warm water for a few minutes to ensure it is
thoroughly cleaned.
 Encourage bleeding from the wound: if it is not already bleeding, gently squeeze the
wound to encourage it to bleed, which will help prevent bacteria entering the wound.
 Provide pain relief: take over-the-counter painkillers, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen to
reduce pain and inflammation.

Because there is a risk of infection the NHS also recommends seeking medical advice for a dog
bite, unless it's a very minor one.

How will I know if a dog bite has become infected?

If you think a dog bite is infected, seek medical advice immediately because occasionally an
infected animal bite can lead to blood poisoning (sepsis), an infection of the inner lining of the
heart ( endocarditis) or an infection of the outer layers of the brain ( meningitis). Signs indicating
an infection include:

 The wound becomes more painful

 Redness and swelling around the bite
 Fluid or pus leaking from the bite
  A fever with a temperature of 38°C or above and shivers
 Swollen lymph glands.

When should I seek medical help?

Always get medical help if there are symptoms of an infection (see above) or if the bite is to the
hands, feet, a joint, tendon or ligament, the face or scalp, the genitals, or the nose or ears. If there
is a pre-existing condition - including diabetes, HIV or a liver disease - that makes the person
more susceptible to infection, or if the person is being given medical treatment such as
chemotherapy that weakens the immune system, it is important to get medical advice.

Your doctor can treat a bite at the doctor's surgery if it's not too severe, or you can go to a walk-
in centre or a local minor injuries unit.

What should I do for a severe dog bite?

If the bite is severe or if you think it involves joints, tendons or bones, visit the accident and
emergency (A&E) department in your local hospital. If the bite is actively bleeding, use a clean
cloth to apply pressure to the wound and keep the wound elevated. If part of the body such as an
ear, finger or toe has been bitten off, wash it in tap water and seal it in a container or polythene
bag, then place the container or bag in a tub of iced water. This will keep it cool while you take it
to hospital in case there's a chance it can be re-attached with reconstructive surgery. Call for an
ambulance without delay if you think the person bitten is in shock.

How will a severe wound be treated?

After being cleaned, any dead or damaged tissue will be removed. If there is excessive blood
loss, the wound will be closed with stitches, otherwise it will be left open to make it easier to
clean to prevent infection.

Depending on the wound, additional treatments may be necessary to repair damage to muscles,
tendons, nerves, bones or joints, or to repair damage to a facial wound or areas of reduced blood
flow, such as the ear or nose. For particularly complex injuries, reconstructive surgery may be
necessary.

Will a dog bite need any medication?

If the doctor believes there is an increased risk of infection, such as bites to the hands, feet or
face, or if there is a severe injury, a seven-day course of antibiotics may be prescribed.

Can a dog bite cause tetanus?

Tetanus is a potentially fatal infection that affects the nervous system and muscles. If the skin is
broken from a dog bite it can allow the bacterium that causes tetanus, Clostridium tetani, to enter
the skin. Symptoms appear after four to 21 days and include muscle stiffness and spasms,
especially in your jaw muscles, hence its other name - lockjaw.

Children should already be immunized against tetanus, with five doses routinely given across the
UK as part of the NHS childhood immunization programme. If you are an adult and are unsure if
you have been fully immunized, seek advice from your GP's surgery. You will be advised
whether or not you need a booster injection. People with bites at risk of infection by tetanus can
be treated with tetanus immunoglobulin (TIG), which gives immediate short-term protection
against the infection.

Can a dog bite cause rabies?

Rabies is another potentially fatal infection that affects the nervous system. It is rare in the UK,
with all cases reported since 1946 being imported. However, if you travel to another country, it is
possible to get rabies from an animal bite, or even just a scratch. Africa, Asia and India, and
central and South America have the most cases of rabies and some cases have been reported in
Eastern Europe.

If you need treatment to prevent the development of rabies you'll be given a dose of rabies
immunoglobulin and five doses of the vaccine. Sometimes only the vaccine is given if exposure
is uncertain.

Who is most at risk of a dog bite?

In general 80% of bites are dog bites and are more likely to occur in children. Despite media
coverage, fatalities are rare.

The NHS reports that dog bites are most common in children between five to nine years old,
especially boys. The Blue Dog Trust is a not-for-profit organisation set up to promote the
education of children and their relationships with dogs. The Trust says that the majority of
accidents between children and dogs occur within the home and with known dogs. The dog is
more likely to be either a family dog or a neighbour's or friend's dog. As stray dogs tend be wary
of people and therefore keep their distance, they are less likely to be the source of a bite.

Will a child bitten by a dog develop any fears?

About one in 10 children with a moderate dog bite and one in four with a severe dog bite develop
post-traumatic stress disorder ( PTSD). This psychological condition can lead to children
becoming nervous and scared around dogs and lead to repeated nightmares. For a few months the
child may be scared of the dark or not want to be left alone. The child may refuse to go outside
alone, become shy with family or friends - or aggressive - and will lose interest in school
activities and games. If the symptoms of PTSD don't disappear after a few months the child may
need medical help such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), a type of talking therapy that
will help the child to become more positive.
What can I do to prevent my child being bitten by a dog?

Because young children cannot understand a dog's body language and may even misinterpret a
dog that is snarling as a dog that is smiling, they should never be left alone with a dog, regardless
of the breed of dog or its behaviour in the past. Like many animals, dogs have a strong notion of
personal space, so teach your child to always allow a dog to have its personal boundaries.

Knowing what might trigger a dog to bite can help you to avoid a bite. A dog will bite if it
interprets a movement, such as invasion of its territory, as a hostile action. This can occur when a
dog is disturbed while sleeping, eating or caring for its puppies, as well as when someone is
running or jogging, screaming or shouting near the dog. Sometimes a bite is a friendly playtime
nip by an over-excited young dog. If a dog is sick or in pain, be cautious as it can react in an
unusual manner.

Are there any signs that indicate a dog might bite?

The dog may give signals at first saying 'leave me alone'. These include licking their lips,
yawning, turning its head or walking away. If a dog becomes aggressive and is prepared to bite,
the following may happen:

 The dog will bare its teeth

 The hairs on the dog's back will rise
 The dog will stare directly at you
 The dog's ears will move either back against its head or forwards
 The dog's legs will stiffen.

If you think a dog might bite, do not run away but stay calm. If you can, try to get something
between you and the dog. Stand still with your feet together, your arms against your chest and
your fists below your neck. Do not look directly in the dog's eyes as this will be interpreted as a
sign of aggression, but downwards and to one side. By standing still, the dog will hopefully lose
interest, at which point you may be able to back away slowly.

If the dog knocks you down, lie with your face downwards and fists behind your neck, with your
forearms protecting your ears. Keep still in this position until the dog moves away.