Always treat a snake bite as a medical emergency (Thinkstock photo).
Though not all snakes are venomous, there are certainly not welcome in homes and gardens, or in your condominium playground.
Of the 3,000 snake species in the world, only 600 are venomous. Still, it is safer to be cautious around snakes, for a snake bite can cause serious complications if it is not treated promptly.
"A venomous snake bite can lead to serious tissue damage or necrosis and paralysis of the respiratory and skeletal muscles. Always treat a snake bite as a medical emergency," says Dr R Ponampalam, Senior Consultant, Department of Emergency Medicine, Singapore General Hospital (SGH).
Tips on how to handle snake bites
Do's
- Stay calm and call 995
Let the victim of a snake bite lie in a semi-reclined position with the bite wound below the level of the heart. This prevents the venom from spreading to other parts of the body until medical help arrives.
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- Immobilise the bitten limb
Tie a bandage 2 to 4 inches above the bite
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