On 18/08/2017 , we received a distress call regarding a snake being spotted in a residential area, Upwan, Thane. As soon as we received the call our rescuers Jeet Gupta and Omkar kolekar rushed over to the spot and rescued an Indian spectacled cobra who was taking a refuge in a pile of sticks. After the rescue as usual our rescuers were making people aware about the snake and how to avoid any conflict with them and during this people around informed that a 4 year old boy living in the house where the cobra was rescued ,was bitten by a snake .
As soon as our rescuers heard about it they inquired about the kid, if he was admitted to the hospital and found out that he wasnt.
The boy received the bite around 1:45 pm in the afternoon, while the kid was playing in the backyard. It had been more than 45 mins since the bite and precious time was slipping from our hands.
Our rescuers convinced his parents and rushed him to Thane Civil hospital .There were symptoms of envenomation, drooping eyelids, vomiting, high BP, some swelling at bite. 5 vials of anti snake venom were administered . Though the doctor handling the case was reluctant to talk with any outside doctors , Rohit (WWA volunteer) requested Dr. Frestons to have a word with Dr. Raut . On understanding the situation , Dr. Raut advised complete dose of asvs, AN injection and pediatrician to be called and readiness for intubation . Our volunteer Rohit was constantly co-ordinating with Dr.Frestons regarding any help or update about the situation . Even after being advised by both the doctors to not to shift the patient, Civil hospital was adamant for shifting.
After Dr. Raut spoke with civil hospital's doctors, Complete dose of AsVS was administered and Neostigmine was given before shifting. The patient was shifted with oxygen assistance in a ambulance to JJ hospital . The child was in ICU , under observation . He was later declared out of danger.
Today Because of the complications by the bite , doctors had to carry out a surgery.
If the parents would have immediately rushed him to the hospital , complications could have been avoided.
This incident shows the need of awareness amongst the people. This is one of the many reasons we are supporting and helping Zero-bite initiative to help mitigate and spread awareness amongst people about snakes and snake bites with the help of Maharashtra Forest Department .
If you ever spot a snake around human settlement which can cause any conflict call on our helplines- 9757322901/02/03/04/05.
Kudos to all the people who successfully helped to save the child.
further updates on the situation will be posted later.