Galilee Medical Center Urges Caution After Snakebites, Outlines Life-Saving Steps

With the rise in venomous reptile activity during the summer season, the Galilee Medical Center has reiterated crucial guidelines for handling snakebite incidents. Dr. Khaled Atalla, head of the emergency medicine department, emphasized the importance of calming the victim, keeping them still, and immobilizing the bitten limb to slow venom spread. Immediate medical assistance and rapid transport to a hospital are critical.

Dr. Atalla advised against common but dangerous self-treatment attempts such as cutting the bite site, sucking out venom, applying tourniquets, or trying to capture the snake, as these actions can worsen the victim’s condition and pose risks to others. If safely possible, photographing the snake from a distance can aid medical teams in identifying the species and tailoring treatment.

The medical center stressed that all snakebite cases require prompt hospital evaluation, even if symptoms are initially mild or absent, to ensure proper care and prevent complications.