Snake Bite and Altitude Sickness

Snake bite

Usually, the snakes come out of their holes in warm seasons and bite anyone around once they find themselves in danger. Some people die instantly from snake bites and some do not. This depends on the nature of the snake and the part of the body it has been bitten. Some are poisonous and some are less poisonous. Kirait is the most poisonous in the world. This snake is found in Nepal, India, Sri Lanka, Burma, Bangladesh, etc. Cobra is poisonous, but it is believed that Kirait is 16 times more dangerous than Cobra. The strong poison instantly stops the heartbeat and respiration of the victim, if appropriate treatment is not available in time than the victims could die

Safety measures

• Clear the bushes, weeds, and dirt around the house because snakes may hide on them.
• All holes in and around the house should be plastered.
• Do not agitate snakes by throwing stones, or blocking its ways.
• Walk with the shoe, if it is necessary to go near the bushes, long grasses, fields, jungle.

First aid

• As soon as the snake bite is known, keep the victim in a comfortable position and tie just above and below the bitten area, with a handkerchief. This prevents the position from spreading quickly.
• Allow sufficient blood to flow out of the incision.
• Clean the area around the wounds with soap and water.
• Continuously monitor the body temperature, rate of respiration and the rate of heartbeat.
• Keep the victim in an easy and comfortable position. Provide the victim with hot milk, tea, coffee, fruit juice, water etc.

Altitude Sickness

While scaling high mountains or Himalayas, due to the lack of sufficient oxygen in the air, people have symptoms like nausea, feeling like vomiting, headache and body weakness occurs and unconsciousness. This is called altitude sickness. Therefore, mountaineers carry oxygen on their back to supply oxygen.

Safety measures

• Always climb the high hills and mountain along with a group of friends, never climb alone or leave your friend alone mid-way.
• If it is necessary carry to climb the hills where altitude sickness could cause then proper foods and warm clothes should be arranged.
• Should not forget to carry the necessary medicines along for safety.
• If it is necessary for everyone to have oxygen bottle each when you are climbing mountains.

First aid

• The victim of altitude sickness should be laid down at a comfortable place and wrapped with warm clothes.
• If victim is vomiting then do not give him anything to drink or eat.
• Take the victim to the nearest health centers as soon as possible.