The wound should not be cut, punctured, or burned.
The World Health Organization specifically advises against making incisions or excisions at the bite site.
6. Never Suck Out the Venom
Trying to suck venom out of a snake bite is another traditional method that should be avoided.
It does not effectively remove venom and can cause additional injury or infection.
Mouth suction is therefore not recommended.
Instead, concentrate on keeping the victim still and getting professional medical care quickly.
7. Do Not Use a Tight Tourniquet
A tightly tied rope, belt, wire, or tourniquet should not be used to stop blood flow around the affected limb.
A tight arterial tourniquet can cause serious tissue damage and may increase the risk of losing the limb.
The WHO advises against tight tourniquets for snake bites.
8. Be Careful With Pressure Bandages
Pressure immobilization is sometimes used as first aid for particular types of snake bites, especially bites from snakes whose venom primarily causes neurological effects and does not produce significant local swelling.
However, this technique is not appropriate for every snake bite.
A pressure bandage can be harmful in situations where the venom causes significant local tissue damage or swelling.
Therefore, people should follow the first-aid guidance appropriate to the snake species and region rather than automatically applying a tight compression bandage to every snake bite.
