Signs of a snake bite

Signs of a snake bike are not always visible, and in some cases, the patient may not have felt anything Symptoms may not appear for an hour or more after the person has been bitten.

Depending on the type of snake, signs and symptoms may include some or all of the following:

immediate or delayed pain at the snake pain
swelling, bruising, or local bleeding
bite marks (usually on a limb) that may vary from obvious puncture wounds to scratches that may almost be invisible
swollen and tender glands in the groin or armpit of the bitten limb
faitness, dixxiness
nausea and vomiting
headache
abdominal pain
oozing of blood from the bite site or gums
double or blurred vision
drooping eyelids
difficulty speaking or swallowing
limb weakness or paralysis
difficulty in breathing
occasionally, initial collapse or confusion followed by partial or complete recovery.

All known or suspected snake bites must be treated as potentialy life threatening, and medical aid should be sought urgently.

Do not wash venom off the skin or clothes because it may assist identification.
If you believe yourself, or your testing buddy have been bit by a snake call 000 immediately

What to do if there is a suspected snake bite.

1. Lie the patient down.

Lie the patient down and ask them to keep still. Reassure the patient.

2. If on a limb, apply the first elasticised bandage.

If on a limb, apply the first elasticised bandage from your first aid kit over the bite as soon as possible.

3. Apply the second elasticised bandage.

Apply the second elasticised bandage, starting just above the fingers or toes and moving upwards on the bitten limb as far as can be reached. Use clothing or other material if the second elasticised roller bandage is not available.

4. Keep the patient completely still.

Keep the patient lying down and completely still (immobilised). Immobilise the bandaged limb using splints.

5. Document!

Write down the time of the bite and when the bandage was applied. If possible, mark the location of the bite site (if known) with a pen or photograph the site.

6. Stay with the patient.

Stay with the patient until medical aid arrives (use the emergency blanket to keep patient warm and dry).