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What to do on snake bite

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WHO snakebite first aid emergency advice immobilize tourniquet

Treat every snakebite as a medical emergency. Call your local emergency number and get to the nearest hospital immediately. Do not wait for symptoms.

Do this now

  1. Move away from the snake to avoid another bite. Do not try to catch or kill it. A photo from a safe distance can help, but do not delay transport.
  2. Keep the person still and calm. Lay them down. Do not let them walk or run.
  3. Immobilize the bitten arm or leg with a splint or sling, keeping it still. Remove rings, watches, shoes, or tight clothing before swelling develops.
  4. Arrange rapid transport by vehicle or ambulance. Keep them lying down, preferably on their side if sleepy, vomiting, or having trouble swallowing.
  5. Watch breathing and consciousness. If they become unresponsive and are not breathing normally, start CPR if trained.

Do NOT

  • Do not apply a tight tourniquet or tie a cord tightly around the limb.
  • Do not cut, burn, suck, massage, or apply ice/electric shock to the bite.
  • Do not give alcohol, herbal remedies, or food/drink if there is vomiting, drowsiness, or swallowing difficulty.
  • Do not waste time trying to identify the snake.
If a tight tourniquet has already been applied, do not remove it yourself. Tell emergency staff, because removal may need monitoring and treatment.
Pressure-immobilization bandaging may be used in some regions for suspected neurotoxic snakebite, but it must be applied correctly and should not delay hospital transfer. The general priority is stillness, limb immobilization, and urgent transport, consistent with WHO snakebite guidance and CDC travel guidance.
Go to hospital urgently even if the bite looks small or painless. Symptoms such as increasing swelling, bleeding, drooping eyelids, weakness, vomiting, difficulty breathing, or collapse need immediate emergency care.
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