Banjarejo and Kedung Salam villages in Donomulyo District are located in the southernmost part of Malang Regency. The topography, consisting of hills adjacent to coastal areas, makes this region a strategic habitat for various living creatures, especially reptiles and venomous animals. Given the environmental conditions and the fact that most residents are farmers who frequently encounter the risk of venomous bites, particularly from snakes, the communities in Banjarejo and Kedung Salam are accustomed to coexisting with these creatures.
The diverse flora and fauna in Donomulyo create a strategic ecosystem for venomous animals, with snakes being particularly prevalent. The most common snakes found here belong to the Viperidae and Elapidae families. In 2023, 53 snake bite cases were reported at Donomulyo Community Health Center (PKM), with the majority involving green snakes (Trimeresurus sp.). Some severe cases required further treatment at Dr. Saiful Anwar Regional Hospital in East Java.
The Emergency Medicine Study Program, FMUB provided education on First Aid Management for Venomous Animal Bites to residents of Banjarejo and Kedung Salam, Donomulyo, on Saturday, May 29. According to Dr. Ari Prasetyadjati, Sp.EM, KDM, the head of the program, Donomulyo PKM recorded 53 snake bite cases, 3 wasp stings, and 1 jellyfish sting in 2023. Snake bites dominated the reported cases, and the venom can have fatal consequences if not promptly and properly treated. Dr. Prasetyadjati emphasized that snake bites can cause blood coagulation, respiratory, nervous, cardiovascular, and genitourinary system disturbances, and can even lead to sudden death.
A significant issue is that some residents still rely on traditional treatments for snake bites, such as sucking the bite wound, applying traditional powders, or even drinking the snake’s blood, believing it to be an antidote. Another incorrect practice is tightly binding the bitten area with cloth or rope to prevent the venom from spreading. This can cause the bound area to become necrotic due to a lack of blood flow by the time the victim reaches a healthcare facility.
The educational approach, which includes practical simulations of the initial handling of venomous bites, aims to help residents understand how to provide first aid for such bites, especially snake bites, and to change old habits or myths previously followed. The program also included a brief overview of different snake species and how to identify venomous snakes based on their morphology, enabling residents to be more cautious and prepared when encountering snakes in the field or on their way to work. (an4nk- FMUB Public Relation)