Rayat Bahra University in Jalandhar recently took a significant step towards addressing a critical rural health issue by organizing an informative seminar focused exclusively on snake bite management. The event aimed to equip students, faculty, and the community with vital knowledge to handle these often-fatal emergencies, which are prevalent in the surrounding agricultural regions of Punjab.
Expert Insights on a Silent Killer
The seminar featured a detailed presentation by the distinguished expert, Dr. Vishal Tandon, Assistant Professor in the Department of Zoology at DAV College in Jalandhar. Dr. Tandon, with his extensive research background, served as the keynote resource person, delving into the complexities of snake bites in India. He highlighted a grim national statistic, noting that India reports approximately 58,000 deaths annually due to snake bites, underscoring the seminar's urgent relevance.
Dr. Tandon's session was not just about statistics but provided practical, life-saving education. He meticulously explained the crucial differences between venomous and non-venomous snake bites, a fundamental skill for initial assessment. A major portion of his talk was dedicated to dismantling dangerous myths and promoting correct snake bite first aid procedures. He strongly advised against common but harmful practices like applying a tourniquet, making incisions on the bite wound, or attempting to suck out the venom.
Correct First Aid and Urgent Medical Response
Instead, Dr. Tandon advocated for a calm and scientific approach. The correct immediate actions include reassuring the victim, keeping the bitten limb immobilized and positioned at or below heart level, and removing any tight jewelry or clothing near the bite site. He emphasized that the primary and non-negotiable step is to transport the patient to a medical facility without delay, where anti-venom therapy can be administered.
The interactive session saw active participation from the audience, which included students and faculty from the university's School of Pharmaceutical Sciences. Dr. Tandon fielded numerous questions, clarifying doubts about identifying snake species, the timeline of symptom progression, and the availability of anti-venom in local hospitals. This engagement highlighted the community's need for clear, authoritative guidance on the subject.
Bridging Knowledge Gaps in Community Health
The seminar concluded with a strong consensus on the importance of such educational initiatives. University officials and Dr. Tandon alike stressed that awareness is the first line of defense. For a state like Punjab, with a significant population working in agriculture, understanding snake bite management can mean the difference between life and death. The event at Rayat Bahra University served as a model for how academic institutions can play a proactive role in public health education, directly impacting their local communities by disseminating knowledge that saves lives.
