What constitutes immediate action after a snakebite?

After a snakebite, the immediate action that is crucial is evacuation to medical help. This is essential because a medical professional is best equipped to assess the severity of the bite and administer the appropriate treatment, which may include antivenom. Time is of the essence in snakebite cases, as certain types of venom can spread rapidly through the body and cause severe complications.

Providing oral fluids is not advisable immediately after a snakebite, as the victim may require more intensive medical intervention, and fluid intake could complicate potential treatments. Applying a tourniquet has been shown to be ineffective and can cause more harm than good by cutting off circulation, leading to further tissue damage. Administering pain relief may be necessary, but it does not address the immediate response needed after a snakebite, which is to seek professional medical assistance first. Thus, evacuation to medical help is the most effective immediate action following a snakebite.