If a snake bites, never stop the blood flow, otherwise these body parts will get damaged

If a snake bites, do not tie a tight bandage or tourniquet. This will stop the blood flow and can damage the organ. At the same time, sucking the poison with the mouth is also not effective.

It is very common for snakes to appear in urban areas and farms adjacent to the forest during the rainy season. Many times people become victims of these snakes. In such a situation, it is advised to tie the place where the snake has bitten tightly. Today we know what should be done according to medical terms if a snake bites? What problems can arise if we try to stop the blood flow?

Do not stop blood flow if a snake bites

When a snake bites, people often think that by tying a tight bandage on the bitten place, the poison can be prevented from spreading in the body. In rural areas, work is done according to this belief. They believe that tying a tight bandage will stop the poison at one place, but according to the MSD Manual (2025) and WHO's new research, this method is not effective, rather it can also cause serious danger.

Problem due to stopping blood flow

Tying a tight bandage or tourniquet can completely stop blood flow, which stops the supply of oxygen to the affected organ. This can cause serious damage to the tissues (tissue necrosis) and in many cases the limb may have to be amputated. Apart from this, when the tight bandage is removed, the accumulated poison can suddenly spread rapidly throughout the body, which can worsen the condition. In a 2025 study, the Journal of Emergency Medicine reported that 30 percent of patients who used a tourniquet had permanent organ damage. At the same time, the recovery rate in patients was found to be more than 90 percent when the right first aid and antivenom were given on time.

What to do if a snake bites?

According to experts, if a snake bites, do not tie a tight bandage or tourniquet. This will stop blood flow and can damage the organ. At the same time, sucking poison with the mouth is also not effective. This increases the risk of poison going into the mouth. Also, an incision should not be made on the wound. This can increase bleeding and the poison can spread at the place of release. Some people try to apply ice or hot water to the snake bite site, but this is also wrong. Applying ice can damage tissues, while applying hot compress spreads poison rapidly.

Give first aid in case of snake bite like this

According to WHO guidelines, if a snake bites, the patient should remain calm, because panicking and moving too much spreads poison rapidly. Remove tight clothes and jewelry from the affected organ before swelling occurs, so that blood flow does not stop. Clean the bitten area gently with soap and water, but do not rub. Apart from this, take the patient to the hospital as soon as possible, where antivenom and other treatment will be available.

Disclaimer: Some of the information given in the news is based on media reports. Before implementing any suggestion, please consult the concerned expert.