WHAT TO DO IF: Bitten by a Snake?
If someone is bitten by a snake, the most important rule is don’t panic, don’t panic – and get medical help fast.The African Snakebite Institute (ASI), the leading authority on snakebite in southern Africa, is very clear: calm, quick, correct action saves lives. READ MORE ON PAGES 14 - 15
WHAT NOT TO DO (ASI is very firm on these)
In short: keep still, keep calm, don’t meddle with the bite, and get to professional care quickly – locally, via Oude Pastorie Clinic for urgent assessment and referral. • Do not cut the wound or try to suck out venom – it doesn’t work and causes more harm. • Do not use a tourniquet – it can cause serious tissue damage and doesn’t stop venom spread. • Do not apply ice, heat, petrol, herbal remedies, or ‘snake stones.’ • Do not give alcohol. • Do not inject antivenom yourself – antivenom is for doctors in a hospital setting only. In short: keep still, keep calm, don’t meddle with the bite, and get to professional care quickly – locally, via Oude Pastorie clinic for urgent assessment and referral.
WHAT TO DO – STEP BY STEP 1. Get them to medical care urgently Treat every snakebite as serious until a doctor says otherwise. Call for transport and head straight to the nearest medical facility with a trauma or emergency unit. In Greyton, you can go to Oude Pastorie Clinic on Main Road so that the team can stabilise the patient and arrange referral to an appropriate hospital if needed. 2. Keep the person calm and still Panic and movement spread venom more quickly through the lymphatic system. Help the victim to lie down or sit comfort- ably. Reassure them, keep them warm, and discourage walking. If possible,
gently immobilise the bitten limb and keep it just slightly elevated. 3. Remove tight items early If the bite is on an arm or leg, remove rings, bangles, watches, tight socks or shoes before swelling starts. This can prevent serious problems later. 4. Clean – but don’t tamper If practical, rinse the bite lightly with clean, cool water and cover with a sterile dressing or clean cloth. Do not scrub, cut, or squeeze the area. 5. Identify the snake safely (only if you can) Do not try to catch or kill the snake – this is when many people get bitten again. If it’s safe, take a photo from a distance to help with identification, then leave the snake alone.
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THE GREYTON POST
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2026
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