What is the recommended first step in treating a snakebite?

Keeping the victim calm is a crucial first step in treating a snakebite. This is because anxiety and panic can lead to increased heart rate and blood circulation, which can cause the venom to spread more rapidly throughout the body. By maintaining calmness, you can help slow the body's physiological response to the venom, potentially reducing its effects until medical help is obtained.

In addition to promoting calmness, it is essential to immobilize the affected area and keep it at or below heart level. Medical professionals can provide the appropriate treatment, which may include antivenom, but the immediate focus is on stabilizing the victim's condition and preventing harm from the venom's effects.