Snake Bite First Aid: What to Do Immediately (Do’s, Don’ts, Symptoms & Hospital Treatment Guide)
Introductiono
Snakebite cases are common in many parts of India, especially in rural and outdoor settings, and the right first aid can slow venom spread while you arrange fast transport to medical care.
A key point from WHO guidance is that first aid should focus on reassurance, immobilization of the bitten limb, and quick referral—without wasting time on unsafe traditional practices.
This guide explains exactly what to do in the first minutes, what not to do, warning signs of envenomation, and what happens at the hospital.
1) First 5 minutes: do these first
1) Move away from the snake (safety first).
Get the victim and helpers out of striking distance; do not try to catch or kill the snake because it wastes time and risks more bites.
2) Call emergency help and arrange transport.
Seek emergency medical attention as soon as possible because antivenom (if needed) is the definitive treatment and delays increase risk.
3) Keep the person calm and still.
WHO emphasizes reassurance and immobilization because movement can increase venom absorption by speeding circulation.
4) Remove tight items before swelling starts.
Remove rings, watches, anklets, tight shoes, or tight clothing from the affected area because swelling can turn them into constricting bands.
5) Immobilize the limb (like a fracture).
Splint the limb if possible and keep it still; WHO recommends immobilization of the bitten limb and transport to medical care.
6) Clean and loosely cover the wound (if safe to do so).
Cleaning with soap and water and covering loosely is advised in standard first-aid guidance while waiting for medical care.
2) Pressure immobilization:
when and how (simple)WHO’s snakebite guidance highlights reassurance, pressure-pad/bandage over the bite area, and immobilization as recommended first-aid methods while transporting the patient.
Pressure immobilization is not the same as a tourniquet: it is a broad pressure bandage plus a splint to limit lymphatic spread, not a tight cord to stop blood flow.
If there is no proper elastic bandage or you’re unsure, prioritise immobilization and rapid transport rather than improvising risky tight bindings.
3) What NOT to do (common myths)
Do not cut the bite or try to suck venom out; these methods are discouraged and can cause harm and infection. Do not tie a tight tourniquet (rope/belt/wire) because it can cause severe limb damage and does not reliably stop venom spread. Do not apply ice, chemicals, herbs, or “black stone” remedies, and do not waste time on traditional treatments that delay hospital care. Do not give alcohol or stimulants; keep the person calm and still and focus on transport.
4) Symptoms to watch (envenomation warning signs)
Many snakebites may be “dry bites” (no venom injected) or from non-venomous snakes, so symptoms may be mild—but you cannot safely confirm this at home.
Go to the hospital urgently if there is rapidly spreading swelling, severe pain, bleeding from gums/wounds, vomiting, dizziness, drooping eyelids, trouble speaking/swallowing, or breathing difficulty.
Even if symptoms look small at first, WHO stresses timely referral because serious signs can develop later during transport.
5) What happens at the hospital (so you’re prepared)
Doctors assess symptoms, vital signs, and signs of envenomation and decide if antivenom is needed; antivenom is the definitive treatment for venomous snakebite.
Treatment can also include wound care, pain control, monitoring, and support for breathing or bleeding problems depending on the type of venom effects.
If possible, take a photo of the snake from a safe distance (never try to capture it), as this may help with identification and treatment decisions.
Related terms
- Snake bite first aid Snake bite treatment
- What to do after snake bite
- Snake bite symptoms
- Venomous snake bite first aid
- Snake bite do’s and don’ts
- Snake bite emergency steps
- How to treat snake bite at home (what not to do)
- Should you tie tourniquet for snake bite
- Should you suck venom out of snake bite
- Pressure immobilization bandage for snake bite
- How to immobilize limb after snake bite
- Snake bite swelling what to do
- Snake bite bleeding symptoms
- Snake bite breathing problem first aid
- Dry snake bite symptoms
FAQ
- Is every snake bite dangerous
- How to identify venomous snake bite
- What happens in hospital after snake bite
- How long after snake bite symptoms start