A bite from a venomous snake or animal requiring urgent management. Africa has some of the world's most venomous snakes including black mamba, puff adder, spitting cobra, and boomslang.
Move the person away from the snake immediately. Do not attempt to catch or kill the snake. If safe, note its colour and markings for the doctor.
Keep the person as calm and still as possible. Physical activity speeds venom absorption through the lymphatic system.
Remove any tight clothing, jewellery, or watches from the bitten limb immediately — swelling will develop.
Immobilise the bitten limb in a position lower than the heart if possible. Treat it as if it were fractured — splint it gently.
Mark the edge of any swelling with a pen or fingernail if available, and note the time. This helps doctors track how fast the venom is spreading.
Keep the person lying down and still during transport to hospital.
If the bite is from a spitting cobra and venom has entered the eyes: flush the eyes immediately with large amounts of clean water for 15 to 20 minutes.
Monitor breathing closely — some venoms cause respiratory paralysis. Be prepared to perform CPR.
Difficulty breathing or swallowing — neurotoxic venom affecting respiratory muscles.
Drooping eyelids, double vision, or inability to open the mouth.
Rapid swelling spreading beyond the bitten limb.
Bleeding from the bite site that will not stop, or bleeding from gums, nose, or other sites — cytotoxic or haemotoxic venom.
The person collapses or loses consciousness.
Signs of anaphylaxis — severe swelling, hives, difficulty breathing.
Never cut the wound and suck out venom — this does not work and causes infection.
Never apply a tourniquet — this concentrates venom and destroys tissue.
Never apply ice, electric shock, or traditional remedies to the bite.
Do not give alcohol.
Do not apply a tight bandage unless specifically instructed for a neurotoxic snake — firm bandaging is used only for mamba or cobra bites, not puff adder bites.
✗ What To Avoid
· Aspirin and ibuprofen — worsen bleeding with haemotoxic venoms
· Alcohol of any kind
· Traditional bite remedies — none are effective and many are harmful
→ Ask The Pharmacist For
· Antivenom is the only effective treatment — available at district hospitals
· Paracetamol only for pain if the snake is confirmed non-venomous
🏥 Get Professional Help
All snakebites must be treated as a medical emergency until confirmed otherwise. Get to the nearest hospital with antivenom immediately. Time is critical — do not wait for symptoms to develop.