SNAKE BITE: RURAL POINT OF VIEW OF TACKLING THIS EMERGENCY

*Saili Umesh Jadhav and Rishi Raj Ashokkumar Sinha

ABSTRACT

Snake bite is a common medical emergency and an occupational hazard, more so in tropical India, where farming is a major source of employment.[1] The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge of villagers living in Vadgaongupta regarding the first aid treatment to be given to a patient of snake bite. Method used was interview technique in which only consenting adults of 439 families were interviewed and the obtained data was then analysed. 86.3% of patients of snake bite were found to be adults, out of whom 70% were farmers by profession. 81% of the study population said that they used home methods like applyin torniquet, cutting and suction, keeping the affected in a dark room etc. Various people practiced feeding the patient various food substances like milk, alcohol, etc. 29% of the study population choose the option of mantriks and voodoo practices to treat snake bite cases. This is the area of work which needs to be filled in. It can only happen with increasing the various awareness programmes and group activities educating the villagers of Vadgaon gupta regarding anti snake venom. The villagers should also be encouraged to approach the hospital instead of practicing voodoo.

Keywords: Vadgaongupta, programmes, mantriks and voodoo practices.