Uk Health Radio Medical News Update on the Hour - Gracie on snake bites

Uk Health Radio Medical News Update on the Hour

Snake Bites

The hot weather this year has been ideal for snakes.  There have been reports of snakebites in the UK although thankfully none this year have proved very serious.  

A snake bites to defend itself if it feels threatened or scared. Snakebites are not as common in the UK as they are in places like Australia and America. Adders are the only venomous snakes living in the wild in the UK.

 If an adder bites you it will leave venom in you that can cause serious symptoms including redness and swelling around the bite, being sick and feeling dizzy.

If a foreign snake bites you it will leave venom in you that might cause you to go into shock and may stop you from moving your muscles. (paralysis)

Sometimes venomous snakes can bite without injecting venom in you. This is called dry bite and only causes mild pain.

Straight after you’ve been bitten it is important that you keep calm and don’t panic. Try to remember the size, colour and markings of the snake,  and keep the part of the body which has been bitten really still. Take off any jewellery like rings that are near the bite in case the area swells and it gets stuck, but don’t take off any clothing. Call 999 to ask for a ambulance or if hyou are abroad, call the emergency services there. 

In hospital they will use anti-venom to treat the bite. To prevent getting bitten you can wear boots and long trousers, if you are walking in areas where snakes may be.  Never pick up a snake, and don’t put your hand down a hole. If you find yourself near a snake stand really still. If it feels that you are no threat, it should move away.

Gracie Timms

Uk Health Radio Medical News Update on the Hour

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