Snake venom spreads through the lymphatic vessels — and movement is their pump. A calm, still patient genuinely slows venom spread; a panicked running one accelerates it. And hospital antivenom is the only effective treatment.
In short — what to do
- Get away from the snake — don't try to kill or catch it (many bites happen in that attempt). A distant photo suffices.
- Call 998 immediately.
- Keep the person completely still: sit or lay them down, the bitten limb immobile at roughly heart level.
- Remove rings, watch and tight shoes before swelling.
- Cover the bite with a clean dressing without heavy pressure.
- Reassure continuously — panic raises the pulse and spreads venom. Carry rather than walk them if possible.
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The full details
What to do
- Get away from the snake — don't try to kill or catch it (many bites happen in that attempt). A distant photo suffices.
- Call 998 immediately.
- Keep the person completely still: sit or lay them down, the bitten limb immobile at roughly heart level.
- Remove rings, watch and tight shoes before swelling.
- Cover the bite with a clean dressing without heavy pressure.
- Reassure continuously — panic raises the pulse and spreads venom. Carry rather than walk them if possible.
Prohibitions that truly harm
- Don't suck the venom by mouth or device — it doesn't work and contaminates.
- Don't cut the wound or burn it.
- No circulation-cutting tourniquet — it can cost the whole limb.
- No direct ice, no coffee, alcohol, or strong painkillers.
One moment
The most life-saving sentence in snakebite: "Sit down and don't move; the ambulance is coming." Courage here is calm, and heroism is stillness.
This content is for general health education only and is not medical advice. Always seek guidance from a qualified healthcare professional. In an emergency, call 998.