Morning walkers in Polo Ground get Tips on animal bite first aid
Patiala-India is recognized as having the highest snakebite mortality (death rate) in the world. Most of the fatalities are due to the victim not reaching the hospital in time and are preventable. Research has shown that PHC (Primary Health Centre) doctors do not treat snakebite mainly due to lack of confidence. The majority of current first aid methods adopted by victims such as tourniquets, cutting and suction and herbal remedies are completely ineffective and dangerous. It is now recommended to adopt the ‘Do it R.I.G.H.T.’ approach, stressing the need for Reassurance, Immobilization of the bitten part as for a fractured limb, Getting to Hospital without delay and Telling the doctor of any symptoms that develop.
This was shared with morning walkers in Polo Ground by Dr DS Bhullar, senior forensic medicine and toxicology expert of Rajindra Hospital during the ongoing health and fitness talk programme being run by Society for People’s Welfare & Awareness Patiala.
The victim should be advised to remain calm and cool, stop body movements and given assurance of recovery. Further, application of tight bandage on the bitten part to decrease blood flow or sharp blade to facilitate bleeding, applying ice, chili or turmeric powder, giving hot drinks to the patient etc. are all contraindicated as first aid measures, said Bhullar.
For dog bite, the only first aid measure is to wash the bitten part with plenty of water and soap minimum for up to 10 minutes followed by immediate medical advice. District Training Officer of Red Cross Society Patiala Jaspal Singh demonstrated the modern cardio-pulmonary resuscitation technique called CPR-10 Technique which does not require mouth to mouth breathing to the victim of cardiac arrest. General Secretary of the NGO Inder Pal Singh Saini stressed the need for first aid training as mandatory to every citizen.
