Approach to an individual ‘allegedly bitten’ by a snake

Snakebite is an important and serious medico legal problem in many parts of the world. It is an important medical emergency and an important health problem in tropical countries. Snakebite mortality and morbidity remains a significant contributor to the national statistics, especially in South Asian countries. On an average, nearly 2, 00,000 persons fall prey to snakebite per year in India and 35,00050,000 of them die every year. Anti-snake venom along with supportive care is the only specific treatment. A lot of faith is put in traditional faith healers, snake charmers, and other alternative systems of medicine, such as ayurveda, unani medicine, homeopathy, and the Tibetan medicines and herbs. In semi-urban and rural areas these practitioners are often the earliest and easiest help available. This is compounded by the ignorance of people, lack of trained medical and paramedical staff, shortage and difficulties in transportation and storage of anti-snake venom in rural areas, and non-availability of rapid transport of the victims to hospitals. Due to the above-mentioned factors, a lot of valuable time is wasted resulting in considerable morbidity. This paper is intended to focus on the practical approach to an individual allegedly bitten by a snake.