Bitten by a snake? Do this....

What to Do If You’re Bitten by a Snake A snakebite is a medical emergency — but with the right steps taken quickly, most people recover fully. In this video, Dr James O’Donovan (UK-trained medical doctor) explains exactly what to do in the critical first few minutes after a snakebite, how to keep the person safe, when to go to hospital, what treatment involves, and which common myths can actually make things worse. Whether you’re hiking, gardening, travelling, or living in an area with venomous snakes, this step-by-step guide could save a life. 🧠 Contents and Timestamps 00:00 – Introduction 00:53 - First Aid 02:50 - When to go to hospital 03:30 - Treatment 05:15 - Snake Bite Myths ⚠️ Causes Snakebites occur when venomous or non-venomous snakes bite defensively or accidentally. Most bites happen when people try to handle or move the snake, or step too close without noticing it. 🩸 Symptoms Sudden pain or puncture marks Swelling, redness, or bruising around the bite Nausea, dizziness, or fainting Difficulty breathing or swallowing (possible sign of venom) Weakness, paralysis, or bleeding (in severe envenomation) Always treat any suspected snakebite as serious until proven otherwise. 🏥 Treatment Emergency care focuses on: Keeping the person still and safe Monitoring vital signs Providing fluids, wound care, and breathing support Administering antivenom if indicated (the only medicine that neutralises venom) Early treatment saves lives and reduces long-term complications such as nerve or tissue damage. 🚑 When to Seek Medical Advice Immediately after any suspected snakebite — even if symptoms seem mild. If swelling, weakness, or breathing difficulty develops. Call your local emergency number (e.g. 999 in the UK, 911 in the US) or get to the nearest hospital capable of managing snakebites. ⚡ Important Considerations Do not cut the wound, suck out venom, apply ice, or use a tight tourniquet. Do not chase or photograph the snake. Keep the affected limb still and below heart level. Remove tight jewellery or clothing near the bite. Stay calm — panic increases heart rate and venom spread. 📚 Further Information NHS (2023). Snake bites. NHS UK. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/snake-bites/ (Accessed 27 December 2025). NICE Clinical Knowledge Summaries (2024). Bites – human and animal. Available at: https://cks.nice.org.uk/topics/bites-human-animal/ (Accessed 27 December 2025). BMJ Best Practice (2024). Snakebite envenoming. BMJ Publishing Group. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) (2024). Venomous snakes and prevention. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/snakes/ (Accessed 27 December 2025). Mayo Clinic (2024). Snake bites: First aid and treatment. Available at: https://www.mayoclinic.org/first-aid/first-aid-snake-bites/basics/art-20056681 (Accessed 27 December 2025). World Health Organization (2023). Snakebite envenoming: Key facts. WHO. Available at: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/snakebite-envenoming (Accessed 27 December 2025). Connect Through 📺 Subscribe for weekly evidence-based health videos: @DrODonovan 📩 Instagram & Twitter: @DrJamesODonovan 🌐 Website: www.doctorodonovan.com ⚖️ Disclaimer This video is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute personal medical advice. Always seek professional medical assessment for any health concern or emergency. 📅 Publication Information Published: 27 December 2025 Next review due: December 2026 Conflict of interest: None declare