This sounds like the beginning of an exciting (or perhaps a little scary) story, but when it comes to health, we should know the facts. Fleeing from a snake is precisely the kind of situation where staying calm and acting correctly can be crucial.
If you or someone near you finds yourself in this situation, here is a short and simple guide:
First Aid (What to Do IMMEDIATELY?)
Stay calm and restrict movement: The more a person moves or panics (high pulse), the faster the venom spreads through the bloodstream.
Immobilize your arm or leg: Place your arm or leg in a splint or sling below your heart.
Remove jewelry and tight clothing: The bite site will likely swell. Rings or watches can then be used as a tourniquet.
Call 155: Even if you feel like “nothing is happening,” symptoms can appear later.
First Aid (or similar emergency services): What you should absolutely avoid (movie myths): Forget action movies; these things will worsen the condition:
Do not suck out the venom with your mouth: You will introduce bacteria into the wound and risk poisoning (if you have a wound in your mouth).
Do not pinch the affected limb: This leads to tissue death and the accumulation of venom in one spot, which can cause much greater damage when it leaks out.
Do not cut the wound: This will only promote bleeding and infection.
Do not drink alcohol or coffee: Both accelerate blood flow and the spread of the venom.
What is the situation in the Czech Republic?
Under our conditions, the only wild venomous snake is the adder. Its bite is rarely fatal for a healthy adult (it conserves its venom and often delivers a so-called “dry bite” without venom), but it poses a serious risk to children, the elderly, and people with allergies.
Tip: If you see a snake, do not try to catch or kill it for identification purposes. Simply remember what she looks like or take a photo from a distance with your phone – this will help doctors select the right serum.
Has something similar ever happened to you, or would you simply like to expand your first-aid knowledge for Uncle Príhodu?