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 out the poison with the mouth is also not effective.

During the rainy season, it is very common for snakes to appear in urban areas and farms adjacent to the forest. Many times people become victims of these snakes. In such a situation, it is advisable to tie the bitten area 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 blood flow? 

Do not stop blood flow in case of snake bite

When bitten by a snake, people often think that by tying a tight bandage on the bitten area, the poison can be stopped from spreading in the body. This is the belief that is followed in rural areas. They believe that by tying a tight bandage, the poison will stop at one place, but according to the MSD Manual (2025) and the new research of WHO, 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 severe tissue damage (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 suffered 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 entering 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 area, but this is also wrong. Applying ice can damage tissues, while applying hot fomentation spreads poison faster.

Give first aid in case of snake bite

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