Archive · 23 Aug 2026
Snakebite Deaths Are Back: What Doctors Want People To Do
A snakebite can be dangerous, so the person should stay calm.
They should move as little as possible.
Moving around can increase circulation and may help venom travel through the body faster.
The bitten arm or leg should be kept still.
The person should not walk unless there is no other choice.
Someone else should arrange transport to a hospital.
Tight items such as rings and watches should be removed quickly.
This is important because the bite may cause swelling, making those items tighter.
Keep a snakebite victim calm and as still as possible.
Immobilize the bitten limb and avoid walking unless unavoidable.
Arrange transport to a hospital rather than having the victim travel alone.
Remove rings, watches, bangles, anklets and other tight items promptly.
Swelling can make jewellery and restrictive objects dangerously tight.
- Who
- People who have been bitten by a snake and those helping them.
- What
- Doctors advise keeping the victim still, immobilizing the bitten limb, removing tight items and seeking hospital transport.
- When
- Immediately after a snakebite.
- Where
- The victim should be taken to a hospital.
- Why
- To limit movement that may accelerate venom circulation and to prevent swelling from making jewellery or other restrictive items tighter.
- First action
- Keep the victim calm and as still as possible.
- Limb care
- Immobilize the bitten limb.
- Movement
- Avoid walking unless there is absolutely no alternative.
- Transport
- Have someone else arrange transport to a hospital.
- Items to remove
- Remove rings, watches, bangles, anklets and other tight items.
- Reason for removal
- Swelling can make jewellery and restrictive objects increasingly tight.