Snake bites can be both fatal and non-fatal and are mostly reported in rural areas. Poisonous snake bites are considered life-threatening acute medical emergencies. Due to prevalent cultural beliefs, traditional treatment options are very common in rural areas, thereby leading to a delay in seeking the appropriate treatment. This article aims to equip healthcare workers at a primary health center (PHC) in effectively managing and stabilizing a snake bite victim.
In India, most deaths due to snake bites are attributed to the Indian cobra, Indian Krait, Russell’s viper, and Saw-scaled Viper. Around 1.4 million non-fatal bites are reported annually, with 30% of these bites involving poisonous snakes. Only 7.23% of deaths due to snake bites are officially reported,4 out of which a majority (>65%) is by the Indian Krait in the monsoon season. A higher number of cases are reported from rural…
