Recent incidents of venomous snake bites have drawn public attention. China is home to over 300 snake species, including more than 100 venomous types. Summer and autumn see the highest incidence of snakebites, with 250,000-280,000 cases annually. These bites carry risks of disability or death, yet only 30% of patients receive hospital treatment within 2 hours.
Chinese Most Dangerous Venomous Snakes
What to Do If Bitten？
1️⃣ Move away immediately – Note the snake's appearance for identification.
2️⃣ Call 120 – Seek hospitals with antivenom stocks (Do NOT attempt to capture/kill the snake or take photos).
First Aid:
✔ For deep wounds/bleeding: Use a clean tool to remove residual fangs, rinse with water, and gently squeeze blood from the wound toward the heart.
✔ Apply a loose tourniquet 10 cm above the bite (e.g., wrist for hand bites). Loosen every 20-30 mins for 2-3 mins to prevent limb ischemia.
When Is Antivenom Needed？
The Chinese Guidelines for Snakebite Management state that antivenom should be administered when a patient is definitively diagnosed or suspected of being bitten by a venomous snake and exhibits at least one of the following signs of envenomation:
Swelling extending beyond half of the bitten limb within 48 hours.
Rapidly progressing swelling.
Tender lymphadenopathy (swollen and painful lymph nodes).
Systemic manifestations of envenomation, such as:
Coagulopathy
Thrombocytopenia
Spontaneous bleeding
Hypotension
Shock
Arrhythmia
Abnormal ECG findings
Four types of antivenom available in China:
Agkistrodon halys Antivenom (for pit viper bites)
Deinagkistrodon acutus Antivenom (for sharp-nosed viper bites)
Naja atra Antivenom (for Chinese cobra bites)
Bungarus multicinctus Antivenom (for many-banded krait bites)
Basic Principles for Antivenom Use:
Early and Adequate Dosing, Timely Supplementation, Same-Species Specificity, Cross-Species Combination.
How to Quickly Find a Hospital with Antivenom？
The "Sai Lun 100 Snakebite First Aid" mini-program can be used to check hospitals nationwide with antivenom stock.
Save This for Emergency Use!
Antivenom Stock Locations in Sichuan Province
Chengdu Antivenom Stockpoints:
Other Antivenom Stockpoints in Sichuan (Outside Chengdu):
Important Reminder:
Even if the snake is not seen or no fang marks are visible, a venomous snakebite cannot be ruled out. Please stay vigilant, learn proper first aid measures, and seek immediate medical attention if bitten.
