What to do if bitten by a cobra

Summer is here, and many people will choose to go out and play. However, those who go out should be careful, because various animals in the wild are also beginning to become active. For example, snakes are the easiest to encounter in the wild. What should you do if you are accidentally bitten by a highly poisonous cobra in the wild? Don't panic at this time. Take appropriate measures immediately to treat the wound to reduce the spread of venom. Next, I will teach you some methods on how to deal with wounds caused by cobra.

Symptoms of a venomous snake bite:

Neurotoxic poisoning: It is a symptom of nervous system damage, usually caused by bites from coral reef snakes, bungarus or sea snakes. This poison is quickly absorbed by the human body, and local symptoms are not obvious, only manifesting as numbness and oxygen sensation at the bite site.

Hemotoxic type: mostly caused by bites from Pit viper and sharp-nosed snake, with acute onset and systemic symptoms including chest tightness, shortness of breath, fever, accompanied by bleeding and other symptoms.

Mixed venom type: mostly caused by bites from cobras and bee snakes, which will cause symptoms such as severe local pain, dizziness, blurred vision, and speech disorders.

Treatment:

1. Binding method

It is a simple and effective method. After being bitten by a venomous snake, immediately use cloth strips, handkerchiefs or bandages to tie the proximal end of the limb 5 to 10 cm away from the wound to delay the spread of toxins to the heart and reduce the backflow of venous and lymphatic fluid. However, the body should not be tied up all the time. During the transport, the body should be untied every 20 minutes for 1-2 minutes each time to prevent limb congestion and tissue necrosis. The bandage can be removed only after the wound has been thoroughly cleaned and snake medicine tablets have been taken for 3-4 hours.

2. Ice compress

If conditions permit, apply ice to the injured limb while bandaging it to constrict the blood vessels and lymphatic vessels and slow down the absorption of snake venom. You can also immerse the injured limb or finger in 4-7°C cold water, and then use ice packs for cold compresses after 3-4 hours. This can be continued for 24-36 hours. However, while cooling the local area, you must also pay attention to keeping the whole body warm.

3. Immobilization of injured limb

After being injured, you should walk slowly and not run to reduce the absorption of toxins. It is best to temporarily brake the injured limb and place it in a low position and send it to a medical station.

If you can endure the severe pain, you can use a knife to make a "I"-shaped vertical incision or a "X"-shaped incision along the tooth mark, rinsing and squeezing at the same time. After flushing, place the wound in a low position to help the venom continue to flow out. However, on-site first aid can only temporarily relieve the patient's condition. After taking first aid measures, the patient should go to a qualified medical station or hospital for thorough debridement, active systemic treatment, and correction of the functions of major organs.

Self-rescue methods in the wild:

If you are bitten by a snake, analyze the poisoning situation immediately. First, tie a rope, cloth or other item above the wound to prevent the attraction of venom. Then rinse the wound with clean water, salt water or soapy water. In severe cases, the sucking method should be used. However, the oral mucosa of the person sucking should be free of damage, caries and other oral diseases to avoid poisoning. If you have a knife, you can also make a cross-shaped incision at the bite site to facilitate the discharge of venom. After completing the first aid measures, the person should be immediately sent to a nearby hospital for further treatment.

Chinese medicine treatment prescription:

Specially used to treat cobra, the prescription is as follows: 2 centipedes, 2 scorpions, 12 grams of Angelica dahurica, 12 grams of Fleas, 12 grams of Prunella Vulgaris, 12 grams of Red Peony Root, 3 grams of Licorice, 12 grams of Belamcanda chinensis, 12 grams of Radix Trichosanthis, and 12 grams of Honeysuckle, all decocted in water and taken orally.

After the above treatment, Chinese medicine is needed to achieve the detoxification effect, because the above treatment methods can only destroy local snake venom. For the snake venom that has been absorbed, Chinese medicine is needed to detoxify in order to achieve the complete therapeutic effect.

Ways to prevent snake bites:

When playing or exploring in the wild, you should be familiar with the characteristics of various snakes and master the first aid methods for venomous snake bites. When entering areas where snakes are present, you should wear thick boots or tie thick canvas around your legs. When walking at night, you should carry a flashlight to illuminate the area and use a bamboo pole to sweep left and right in front of you to drive away snakes. When camping in the wild, avoid choosing places with grass or holes.