Snakebite emergency: What to do in first 60 minutes to save a life

EVERY year, thousands of Nigerians are bitten by snakes, especially in rural farming communities and flood-prone areas. Many of these bites become fatal not because of the snake itself, but because of what victims or bystanders do in panic, particularly using harmful traditional methods instead of seeking urgent medical care.

Health experts say the first one hour after a snakebite is critical. What you do or fail to do can mean the difference between life and death.

Silent rural killer

Snakebite is classified by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a neglected tropical disease. In Nigeria alone, hospitals record tens of thousands of bites annually, particularly during the rainy season when snakes are driven out of hiding.

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Victims are often farmers, hunters, children, and villagers who live far from hospitals. Many first turn to herbal mixtures, incisions, suction, or spiritual remedies, but these actions delay treatment and worsen poisoning.

Doctors insist that the only real cure for snake venom is antivenom, given in a hospital. Some Nigerian hospitals do not have it as it costs abut N250,000 to procure. However, with increase in its consciousness following the recent death of soprano singer Ifunanya Nwangene in Abuja after a cobra bite, hospitals are beginning to procure it.

What to do immediately after snakebite

Medical professionals recommend the following life-saving steps:

1. Stay calm and still

Fear increases heart rate, which spreads venom faster. The victim should sit or lie down and remain as still as possible.

2. Keep bitten limb immobilised

If the bite is on the arm or leg, keep it below heart level and avoid movement. Do not walk if possible. People must help to carry the victim.

3. Remove tight items

Swelling can occur quickly. Remove rings, bangles, watches, shoes, or tight clothing near the bite.

4. Gently clean the wound

If possible, wash the area with clean water and mild soap. Do not scrub.

5. Apply a firm bandage (If trained)

Wrap a broad bandage firmly around the limb, starting from below the bite and moving upward. It should be snug but not cut off blood flow.

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6. Get to a hospital immediately

Go to the nearest hospital or health centre with antivenom. Do not delay.

What NOT to Do

Doctors strongly warn against these dangerous practices:

Do not cut the wound.

Do not suck out venom

Do not apply herbs, ash, petrol, or chemicals

Do not use ice or electric shock.

Do not drink alcohol or stimulants

Do not tie a tight tourniquet

These methods do not remove venom and often cause infections, tissue damage, or loss of limbs.

Signs of dangerous envenoming

Seek emergency care if the victim develops severe swelling or bleeding, vomiting, dizziness, or fainting, ifficulty breathing or speaking, blurred vision or paralysis, as well as dark urine or bleeding from gums.

These symptoms mean venom is spreading and can shut down vital organs.

Why early hospital care matters

Antivenom neutralises snake venom, but it works best when given early. The longer treatment is delayed, the more damage the venom causes, sometimes leading to kidney failure, amputations, or death.

Public health experts urge communities to stop relying on harmful myths and instead treat snakebite as the medical emergency it is.

A call for awareness

As the rainy season increases snake encounters across Nigeria, health workers stress that knowledge saves lives. When a snake bites, stay calm, keep still, go to the hospital.

Those three actions can be the difference between survival and tragedy.

“Snakes are both venomous and nonvenomous. Venom is a poisonous substance that a snake makes to help it capture prey, protect itself and digest food. If a snake is venomous, it injects venom through its teeth (fangs) into whatever it bites,” Cleveland Clinic says.