After a suspected snakebite, get clear of the snake, keep the person still and call 995 for emergency assistance. Tell the dispatcher that it is a suspected snakebite and give your exact location. Get medical care immediately even if the person initially feels well. AVS snake encounter guidance MOH guidance on snakebite management Singapore snakebite response protocol
Keep the bitten limb as still as possible. Leave the wound alone and avoid tight tourniquets, cutting the bite or trying to suck out venom. Leave the snake where it is. A description you already remember can help, but the medical response takes priority. MOH guidance on snakebite management Singapore snakebite response protocol
- Move clear of the snake, then keep the person and bitten limb still.
- Call 995 and give the nearest access point and time of the bite.
- Keep away from the snake. Let trained personnel handle any animal response.
On this page
- Get the person to safety with as little movement as possible
- Tell 995 exactly where to find you
- If you see a snake and nobody was bitten
- Frequently asked questions
Get the person to safety with as little movement as possible
First check that the snake is no longer an immediate threat. If you are on a trail, let other people know where the snake went so they can give it space. Once safe, have the person rest and keep the bitten limb still while you follow the dispatcher’s instructions. Avoid asking them to walk to an exit just to make pickup easier. AVS snake encounter guidance MOH guidance on snakebite management
Tell the dispatcher about any change in alertness or breathing as soon as it happens. If a second adult or older student can safely meet responders at the entrance, give them the location and keep someone with the injured person. SCDF emergency medical services
Tell 995 exactly where to find you
Start with the park, block or venue name and then give a specific entrance, trail marker, street or level. Explain which limb was bitten, how long ago it happened and what the person is experiencing. If the trail splits or a gate is locked, give directions from the nearest access point. SCDF emergency medical services Singapore snakebite response protocol
A school outing example
A student is bitten near a trail junction. The teacher calls 995 and reads the trail marker. A second adult takes the group a safe distance away and checks that everyone is accounted for. One helper waits at the confirmed entrance while another stays with the student.
If you see a snake and nobody was bitten
Back away slowly and give the snake space to leave. Keep children and pets clear. AVS asks the public to avoid handling, chasing or cornering snakes. If a snake is trapped, distressed, injured or has entered a home, call the Animal Response Centre at 1800 476 1600 for help. AVS snake encounter guidance AVS Animal Response Centre
The animal helpline deals with the snake. If someone is bitten, call 995 for medical assistance first. A separate caller can tell park staff or AVS about the animal once people are safe. AVS snake encounter guidance Singapore snakebite response protocol
Frequently asked questions
Can I wait until the bite starts to hurt?
Seek medical help immediately after a suspected snakebite. Initial symptoms cannot tell you whether urgent treatment will be needed. AVS snake encounter guidance MOH guidance on snakebite management
Should I take the snake to the hospital?
Leave the snake alone. Tell clinicians what you already know about the incident and concentrate on getting the injured person treated. AVS snake encounter guidance MOH guidance on snakebite management
Sources
- SCDF emergency medical services
- AVS Animal Response Centre
- AVS snake encounter guidance
- MOH guidance on snakebite management
- Singapore snakebite response protocol