If a snake bites your friend and there is no medical help nearby, follow these steps:
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Keep Calm: Try to stay calm and reassure your friend. Panic can worsen the situation.
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Encourage Immobility: Ask your friend to keep the affected limb as still and relaxed as possible to slow the spread of venom.
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Seek Help: If it's safe to do so, try to get help as quickly as possible. If you have a phone and there’s signal, call emergency services immediately.
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Remove Tight Clothing and Jewelry: Gently remove any tight clothing or jewelry around the bite site to prevent swelling.
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Position the Victim: Have your friend lie down and keep the bite area below the level of the heart if possible.
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Clean the Bite: If you can do so safely, clean the bite area with soap and water, but do not apply ice, tourniquets, or cut the bite area.
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep an eye on your friend's symptoms. Look for signs of shock or severe symptoms like difficulty breathing, swelling, or changes in consciousness.
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Avoid Certain First Aid Measures:
- Do not suck out the venom.
- Do not apply ice.
- Do not use a tourniquet.
- Do not administer alcohol or caffeine.
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Get to Medical Help: As soon as you can, transport your friend to the nearest medical facility for antivenom treatment.
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Document Details: If possible, take note of the snake's color, shape, and behavior as this information can be important for medical treatment.
Quick action and keeping your friend calm can make a significant difference in the outcome of a snake bite.