Airline passenger helps save 7-year-old girl bitten by venomous krait in Vietnam

On Monday, Hue Central Hospital reported that in early February, A Luoi Medical Center admitted the young girl after she was bitten on her right hand while sleeping on the floor in the early morning hours.

Her family said the snake had distinctive black-and-white bands, a defining characteristic of the Malayan krait, a species with highly potent neurotoxic venom that can rapidly paralyze the respiratory muscles and lead to death if not treated promptly.

The family administered first aid by applying a tourniquet before rushing her to the nearest medical facility.

Critical condition

Within hours of admission, the girl became drowsy and developed severe respiratory failure. 

She had to be intubated and was urgently transferred to Hue Central Hospital.

Upon arrival at the pediatric intensive care unit, she was in critical condition, suffering from quadriplegia, with both pupils dilated to 5 mm and no pupillary light reflex.

Doctors immediately began intensive resuscitation measures while urgently searching for a source of antivenom. 

Time was of the essence, as the first 24 hours after a snakebite are considered the 'golden window,' when antivenom is most effective.

A special journey for the antivenom

The leadership of the pediatric center and the medication deparment at Hue Central Hospital quickly contacted Children’s Hospital 1 in Ho Chi Minh City, which agreed to provide five vials of snake antivenom.

That very night, the precious serum was transported by air. 

A passenger on a Vietnam Airlines night flight volunteered to carry the antivenom from the southern city to Hue as quickly as possible, helping to shorten the critical window in the race against death.

Thanks to the timely administration of the antivenom, the girl began regaining movement in her fingers and toes after two days.

After ten days of treatment, she was fully conscious, regained muscle strength, and showed no neurological complications.

Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Thanh Xuan, deputy director of Hue Central Hospital, advised that in the event of a snakebite, people should remain calm, thoroughly clean the wound, immobilize the affected limb below heart level, and seek immediate medical attention at the nearest healthcare facility.

Under no circumstances should they attempt to suck out the venom, cut into the wound, or apply herbal remedies, as these actions may cause infection and delay proper emergency treatment.

Dr. Xuan also noted that the hospital, along with benefactors, helped cover the family’s medical expenses and donated a new bed to them after the child was discharged.