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First-aid practices and pre-hospital care in paediatric snakebites

Kavinda Dayasiri1, Nayani Suraweera2, Priyanga Burhan3

  • 1Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya, Ragama, Sri Lanka. kavindadayasiri@gmail.com.

BMC Pediatrics
|August 8, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Harmful snakebite first-aid practices are common in Sri Lankan children, linked to low education and socioeconomic status. Culturally sensitive education and better rural transport are crucial for improving outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Emergency Medicine
  • Public Health
  • Toxicology

Background:

  • Snakebites represent a significant pediatric health threat in Sri Lanka, particularly in rural settings.
  • Inadequate first aid and delayed medical attention exacerbate negative outcomes.
  • This study investigated caregiver practices and contributing factors in pediatric snakebite cases.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To examine caregiver first-aid practices for pediatric snakebites in Sri Lanka.
  • To identify factors associated with harmful first-aid responses.
  • To explore caregiver beliefs and behaviors related to snakebite management.

Main Methods:

  • A mixed-methods approach combining quantitative and qualitative data.
  • Structured interviews with 364 caregivers of pediatric snakebite patients.
  • Logistic regression analysis to determine predictors of harmful practices.
  • Qualitative interviews with 54 caregivers to understand beliefs and behaviors.

Main Results:

  • While basic wound washing (73.4%) and reassurance (61.1%) were common, harmful practices like tourniquets (26.7%) and traditional remedies (7.4%) were frequent.
  • Harmful practices were significantly associated with lower maternal/paternal education, lower socioeconomic status, and cultural beliefs.
  • Prior snakebite first-aid training demonstrated a protective effect (AOR 0.21).

Conclusions:

  • Harmful snakebite first-aid practices persist in Sri Lanka despite some awareness of recommended measures.
  • Targeted, culturally sensitive educational interventions are needed.
  • Enhancing rural emergency transport services is critical to reduce delays and prevent complications.
Abstract

Keywords:
First aidPaediatricPre-hospital careQualitative studySnakebiteSri LankaTraditional practices

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