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Snake Bite First Aid - Review Flashcards (WHO Guidelines)

Global Context and Introduction

  • Snake bites are a serious global health issue, especially in rural and tropical areas.
  • The World Health Organization classifies snakebite envenoming as a neglected tropical disease.
  • Millions are bitten each year; without proper first aid and rapid treatment, many suffer disability or death.

Types of Snakes and Bites

  • Venomous
    • Definition: Snakes with venom potent enough to harm humans.
    • Venom types: \text{neurotoxins},\ \text{hemotoxins},\ \text{cytotoxins}.
    • Examples: Cobra, krait, viper, mamba (cytotoxins).
  • Non-Venomous
    • Definition: Do not inject harmful venom but can cause wounds, swelling, and infection.
    • Examples: Python, rat snake, king snake.

Immediate First Aid

  • Step 1: Ensure Safety
    • Rationale: Make sure the scene is safe for you and the patient before approaching.
  • Step 2: Keep Patient Calm
    • Rationale: Calmness helps prevent unnecessary movement and may slow the rate of venom spread.
  • Step 3: Remove Constricting Items
    • Rationale: Rings, watches, or tight clothing should be removed to accommodate swelling.
  • Step 4: Immobilize the Limb
    • Rationale: Keeping the limb still helps limit venom spread and systemic absorption.
  • Step 5: Avoid Harmful Methods
    • Rationale: Do not perform procedures that can worsen injury (the slide notes to avoid harmful methods).

Hospital Management & Anti-Venom

  • Anti-venom: the only proven treatment to neutralize venom.
  • When to give: administer when there are clear signs of envenoming, such as:
    • Bleeding
    • Paralysis
    • Shock
    • Swelling
  • Supportive care: alongside anti-venom, provide
    • Oxygen
    • IV fluids
    • Pain management
    • Wound care

Practical Guidelines and Key Actions

  • Stay calm and still → slows venom spread.
  • Immobilize limb → prevents systemic absorption.
  • Avoid harmful practices → reduces secondary injury.
  • Seek hospital care immediately → access to anti-venom.
  • Educate communities on prevention → reduce incidence and improve outcomes.

Public Health Context and Implications

  • Snakebite envenoming is a neglected tropical disease, highlighting inequities in rural healthcare access.
  • Timely administration of anti-venom depends on rapid access to health facilities, trained personnel, and affordable treatment.
  • Prevention efforts include community education, safe first aid practices, and improving supply chains for anti-venom.
  • Ethical considerations: ensuring equitable access to treatment and prevention resources for rural and underserved populations.

Quick Reference Checklist

  • Immediate actions post-bite:
    • Ensure safety of rescuer and patient.
    • Keep patient calm.
    • Remove constricting items.
    • Immobilize the affected limb.
    • Avoid harmful methods; do not delay seeking medical care.
    • Seek hospital care promptly for assessment and potential anti-venom.
  • Indicators of envenoming requiring anti-venom:
    • Bleeding, paralysis, shock, swelling.
  • Supportive care priorities in hospital:
    • Oxygen, IV fluids, pain management, wound care.

Notes and Clarifications

  • The material emphasizes the World Health Organization view of snakebite envenoming as a neglected tropical disease and highlights the critical role of anti-venom.
  • While specific numerical data are not provided beyond 'millions', the takeaway is the high global burden and the need for rapid, appropriate first aid and medical treatment.