Snake season is underway – here’s what to do if you get bitten

Snake rescuer Nick Evans says that the season for the slithery serpents to make their presence known is well underway.

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According to Evans, there have been a number of snakebites this month. He took the time out to share helpful tips on what to do and not to do if you do get bitten by a dangerous serpent.

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Evans says that the Stilleto snake bites more people in Durban than any other species. 

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What NOT to do if you get bitten by a snake

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• Do NOT cut around the bite to let the venom ‘bleed out’ as this does not work;
• Do NOT try to suck the venom out as this also does not work;
• Electric shock treatment is a massive no-go;
• Do NOT try chewing the bark of a Cashew Nut tree as it will not neutralise the venom;
• Do NOT attempt to capture, kill or take the snake to the hospital with you as it risks a potential second bite;
• Tourniquets are not advised especially if you’re unaware of the type of snake that bit you;
• Do NOT carry antivenom on you and administer it yourself, this should only be done at a hospital by professionals and;

“There are many other mythical treatments that people mention to me. Unfortunately, just about all will do absolutely no good if you are envenomated by a highly venomous snake,”

said Evans.

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What TO do if you’re bitten

• Make your way to the nearest hospital or clinic as soon as possible;
• Try to keep calm or keep the person who was bitten calm while travelling to a hospital/clinic;
• Call the hospital/clinic while making your way there to inform them of your arrival and situation;
• If you do have a picture of the snake that caused the bite, send it to a professional snake-catcher immediately so the snake can be identified and;
• Be wary of sending an image of the serpent to those who are not professionals (WhatsApp groups or Facebook groups) as they may incorrectly identify it.

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