Guidelines for the management of snakebites

Abstract

Snakebites are well-known medical emergencies in many parts of the world, especiallyin rural areas. Agricultural workers and children are the most affected. The incidenceof snakebite mortality is particularly high in South-East Asia. Rational use of snakeanti-venom can substantially reduce mortality and morbidity due to snakebites.These guidelines are a revised and updated version of Regional Guidelines for theManagement of snakebites published by the WHO Regional Office in South-East Asiain 2011. These guidelines aim to promote the rational management of snakebite casesin various health facilities where trained health functionaries and quality snake antivenomare available.