In a welcome move, the State Government has launched an app on snake bites and poisoning, which includes how to treat them. It is available in two versions – English and Bengali.
The Health and Family Welfare Department has created this app, which is available for Android phones. The app guides users in understanding snake bites and minimising the risks. There is also information regarding venoms and poisons. The purpose of this application is to disseminate knowledge regarding venomous and non-venomous snakes as well as preventive and curative measures for snake bites as well as any other poisoning.
The app also envisages guiding the users in scientific prevention and first-aid measures that a family or community member could take to prevent severe envenoming and poisoning complications. The app is divided into two broad sub-sections: Snake Bite and Poisoning. The section ‘Snake Bite’ is further divided into five useful sections: Do’s and Don’ts. Preventive measures, Habitat and Behaviour of Snakes, Snake Atlas and Educational Video In the ‘Do’s and Don’ts’ section, the information given in the text is also read out simultaneously.
The section, ‘Poisoning’ is divided into three sections:· First Aid, Tips for Poison Control and List of Common Poisons There is another crucial feature in the app: a toll-free number for emergencies, the number being 1800 345 0033. (UNI)
