All bites, venomous or not, should be cleaned with a mild antiseptic, such as Rose Water (or Triple Rose water). Most bites occur on the limbs. The whole limb should be tightly bandaged, and immobilized. This will limit the spread of venom.

A crepe bandage is preferable, but a towel or an item of clothing cut into a continuous strip 2-3 inches (=(5-7.5 cm) wide will suffice.

Incision and suction are now considered relatively ineffective, and potentially dangerous, and thus shouldn`t be used. Tourniquets should also be avoided, and reserved for experts. Should the bite be elsewhere on the body (e.g. torso or head), a pad should be applied with some pressure, and, where feasible, this may be maintained by a tight bandage.

to be continued

Continuation :

It is desirable to seek medical assistance at the earliest possible opportunity !

In severe cases, the expert administration of orthodox snake antivenin may be considered.

However, in order to select the correct antivenin, the exact identity of the attacking snake must be known !

Misidentification by amateurs is not unknown, and a concerted effort must be made to capture or kill the snake, so that formal classification may be made in the medical facility. Even dead snakes must be treated cautiously.

The venom of the spitting cobra of Africa is delivered with great accuracy to the eyes of its victim at a maximum range of about 10 feet (=3 m approx.). It produces severe pain, and blindness may result. It is most important to wash out the venom immediately with the cleanest water available.