While it's rare for people in the UK to be seriously injured by an animal or snake bite, it's important the casualty gets first aid and medical attention.
Snake bite - symptoms
These may include puncture marks, pain, swelling, vomiting and disturbed vision.
Snake bite - actions
Call 999
Lie casualty down and keep them still and quiet
Keep heart higher than level of bite
Wash bite area with soap and water, and cover with sterile dressing
Secure and support limb
Try to identify type of snake to inform medical team
Animal bites - cleaning the wound
Wash superficial bites with soap and water
Pat wound dry and cover with adhesive dressing
For more serious bites, apply pressure to the wound
Animal bites - further actions
Lift and support bitten limb above level of the casualty's heart
Cover wound with sterile dressing
Take or send casualty to hospital
This article was reviewed by the British Red Cross in April 2007.
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