Avail 108 ambulance service in case of snakebite: Kerala minister

T'puram: Health minister Veena George on Friday said instructions have been issued to ensure adequate treatment for snakebite patients after multiple snakebite deaths were reported across Kerala in the past week.The Kerala health services director held a meeting with district medical officers (DMOs) to assess the situation following five snakebite deaths reported in a week."Timely first aid and expert treatment can save lives in snakebite cases. Therefore, people should not waste time going to hospitals where anti-venom is not available. At present, anti-venom is available in 146 hospitals in the state," Veena said in a statement.She said anti-venom is also available in some community health centres and in all hospitals from the taluk level onwards. The minister urged people to use the Kanivu 108 ambulance service in case of snakebite. Experienced emergency medical technicians in 108 ambulances can provide first aid and monitoring, she said. The 108 ambulance teams also carry a list of hospitals where anti-venom is available, ensuring patients are taken to the appropriate facility without delay."Until the ambulance arrives, the snakebite victim should follow the advice of the 108 team. The victim should be kept calm, as panic can cause the venom to spread quickly through the bloodstream. Unnecessary movement should be avoided," she said. The person should not be allowed to walk or run but should be carried or transported on a stretcher to the hospital, and the wound should not be tightly tied. The priority is to reach a hospital as quickly as possible."Anti-snake venom is administered as per protocol based on symptoms and laboratory tests. All hospitals have been instructed to ensure treatment strictly according to protocol," she added.Amid rising temperatures across Kerala, multiple snakebite cases have been reported, with four deaths, among them two children, recorded in the past week. Experts have warned that snakes may enter houses during the summer in search of shade, cooler environments and rodents. PTI
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