The first involves the use of a tourniquet. If you’re bitten by a snake, don’t try to make a tourniquet or use ice to reduce swelling. This is not good for your health.
Further, don’t use body-altering substances like caffeine. This may make venom spread through the body more quickly. (Sorry folks, alcohol applies, too.) And don’t try to catch the snake. Just remember what it looked like to give a description to healthcare professionals.
So just what should you really do in this situation?
If a snake bites you, try to stay calm and get out of harm’s way. In other words, don’t try to pick up the snake. Bad choice.
Try to keep the wound at or below heart level and remove tight articles of clothing or jewelry to prevent swelling complications. Finally, clean the area without flushing it with water. Then try to cover it, and call 911 as soon as possible.
2. Put butter on a burn.
Many of our grandmothers told us to put butter on burns. However, evidence stacks up against this once-common belief. In fact, butter may make it tough for the burn to heal.
The real way to treat a burn is a lot more practical. According to the University of Rochester Medical Center, the proper thing to do is to allow cool water to run over the burn. And after rinsing it, dry the burn and cover it loosely. If blisters, discoloring or infection are present, seek the help of medical personnel.