Noel demonstrating CPR techniques during the FACS programme. — YAP CHEE HONG/The Star
DEMAND for First Aid Course for Snakebites (FACS) is on the rise due to frequent encounters.
Clinical toxinologist Assoc Prof Dr Ahmad Khaldun Ismail, the founder of Remote Envenomation Consultancy Services (RECS), said its community outreach programmes with support of the Malaysian Society of Toxinology (MST), was aimed at educating the public on appropriate pre-hospital care treatments for snakebite victims.
RECS is engaged by companies to carry out programmes for their clients, customers and even staff, he said during a FACS programme in Ara Damansara, Selangor.
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Hospital Selayang Consultant Emergency physician Dr Noredelina Mohd Noor said such sessions were aimed at raising public awareness and not instil fear of snakes as well as educating people on the difference between venomous and non-venomous snakes.
During the FACS, Dr Noredelina spoke on first aid guidelines for emergency primary care in case of a snakebite.
Basic life support (BLS)
Emergency medical technician and project lead for FACS Noel Silas Savarimuthu said BLS, including cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), was essential knowledge which was integrated into their programmes.
“Snakebites can cause a victim to have cardiac arrest or cause breathing to stop.
“While waiting for an ambulance to arrive, it is important for first responders to carry out CPR to keep the victim alive.
“Learning how to perform CPR is not only for snakebite cases but also for other cases when a person suddenly collapses or becomes unconscious.
Dr Noredelina says FACS sessions are aimed at raising public awareness, not to instil fear about snakes.
“The main objective is to send blood to the brain cells to keep it alive,” said Noel.
Assoc Prof Ahmad Khaldun shared a case involving a fisherman who died after being bitten by a sea snake.
“His friends did not manage to perform CPR on him,” he said.
“If only they had taken turns to provide CPR continuously, the fisherman would have had a good chance of surviving when they reached the hospital.”
The FACS programme teaches essential pre-hospitalisation tasks, such as recording the incident time, patient history, symptoms and any changes during transportation, while ensuring the snake is identified through photographs.
If residents happen to find snakes roaming around the neighbourhood, immediately call the Fire and Rescue Department or authorities to handle the situation.
Importance of anti-venom
When a venomous snake bites, its fangs (which deliver venom) inject various types of venom which are deadly.
“One of the most serious effects is difficulty in breathing due to muscle paralysis – as toxins can block the human nerve receptors.
“Additionally, low blood pressure and poor oxygen circulation can also damage vital organs such as the brain, heart, lungs and kidneys.
“Anti-venom is currently the only proven medical treatment for snakebite victims.
“It works by neutralising venom from further spreading and causing harm to the victim’s body.
“In Malaysia, we do not produce or manufacture anti-venoms, but we import them from Thailand as their snake species are similar to ours,” said Assoc Prof Ahmad Khaldun.
“To treat snakebites from sea snakes, we obtain the anti-venom from Australia.”
He said the public and healthcare professionals should be aware that not all snakebites need anti-venom and not all anti-venoms were suitable for all snakebites.
Non native snakes
He also said licensing laws should be introduced to control the introduction of non-native snakes, especially venomous ones into Malaysia through the exotic pet trades.
“The relevant law should require people to have permits and ensure appropriate anti-venom for exotic snakes is available by the permit holder.
“The current process for amending wildlife laws to protect the human population is very stringent with too much protocol.
“Many decision-makers are not fully aware of how critical a situation can become if there is no anti-venom to treat a patient when needed,” Assoc Prof Ahmad Khaldun said. – By DIVYA THERESA RAVI
