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Snakebite

Keep still, immobilise the limb, reach a hospital with antivenom fast.

criticalHIGH-CONFIDENCE GUIDANCEReviewed 2026-08-18
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RECOGNIZE

  • Puncture marks, pain or swelling at the bite site.
  • Drooping eyelids, difficulty speaking or swallowing, or difficulty breathing.
  • Persistent bleeding from the bite, gums or nose; passing dark urine.
  • Bites can occur while sleeping on the floor at night — a person may wake with only mild pain.

CALL

  • Call 112 when emergency transport is needed, or move immediately to the nearest hospital that stocks antivenom.
  • Treat every snakebite as potentially venomous until a doctor says otherwise.

DO NOW

  1. 1MOVE AWAY FROM THE SNAKEStep back safely. Do not try to catch or kill it.
  2. 2KEEP THE PERSON CALM AND STILLReassure them and stop them from walking or running.
  3. 3REMOVE RINGS AND TIGHT ITEMSTake off rings, bangles, watches, anklets and shoes before swelling starts.
  4. 4IMMOBILISE THE LIMBSplint the bitten limb loosely and keep it still, roughly at heart level.
  5. 5GET TO HOSPITAL NOWTransport the person lying down without exertion. Call 112 if you need an ambulance.
  6. 6WATCH BREATHING ON THE WAYSome venoms paralyse breathing. If breathing stops, start CPR.

DO NOT DO

  • DO NOT cut the wound.
  • DO NOT suck out the venom.
  • DO NOT rub, massage or apply pressure pads to the bite.
  • DO NOT apply a tight tourniquet or tie a rope around the limb.
  • DO NOT apply ice, chemicals, herbs, cow dung, chilli or any traditional remedy.
  • DO NOT burn or cauterise the bite.
  • DO NOT try to capture, kill or carry the snake.
  • DO NOT wait at home to see if symptoms appear.

WHILE WAITING FOR HELP

  • Keep the person lying on their side, calm and still.
  • Note the time of the bite and the body part bitten.
  • Do not give alcohol, herbal medicines or any drink to a drowsy person.
  • A photo of the snake from a safe distance may help doctors — never go near the snake to take one.

WHEN TO ESCALATE

  • Drooping eyelids, slurred speech, or difficulty breathing → this is a medical emergency; reach hospital immediately.
  • Not breathing normally → start CPR and call 112.

AFTERCARE

  • Antivenom is the definitive treatment for venomous snakebite and can only be given in a medical facility with monitoring.
  • Even if the person feels fine, doctors observe snakebite patients because symptoms can be delayed.
  • Prevention: use a torch at night, wear closed shoes in fields, sleep on a cot under a tucked mosquito net, and clear rubble around the house.
MEDICAL SOURCES

  • Ministry of Health and Family Welfare / National Health Mission, India

    National Snakebite Management Protocol (Standard Treatment Guidelines)

    Published / updated 2017 · Evidence reviewed for this app on 2026-08-18

  • World Health Organization (SEARO)

    Guidelines for the Management of Snakebites, 2nd edition

    Published / updated 2016 · Evidence reviewed for this app on 2026-08-18

  • Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India

    Emergency Response Support System (ERSS) — 112 pan-India emergency number

    Published / updated 2019 · Evidence reviewed for this app on 2026-08-18

    Open source

This content is educational first-aid guidance and does not replace emergency medical care. Guidelines can change. Verify clinical guidance periodically.

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