23/12/2025
Sucking venom from a snakebite is a widely believed myth that has been passed down through movies, folklore, and outdated first-aid advice, but modern medical science has clearly shown that this practice does not save lives and can actually make the situation worse. When a venomous snake bites, venom is injected rapidly into the tissue and bloodstream. Within moments, it begins to spread through the circulatory and lymphatic systems, making it impossible to remove by suction.
One major risk of attempting to suck out venom is that it exposes the mouth of the person providing aid to toxic substances. Venom can enter the body through tiny cuts, sores, or even the gums, potentially poisoning the rescuer. Instead of helping the victim, this action can create an additional medical emergency by introducing venom into another person’s system.
Another critical issue is that suction does not remove all, or even most, of the venom. Once venom enters the body, it binds to tissues and spreads internally. External suction whether by mouth or by suction devices cannot reach venom that has already moved beyond the bite site. This gives a false sense of security and delays proper medical treatment, which is far more fatal than the bite itself.
Sucking the wound can also cause physical damage. The pressure applied can worsen tissue injury, increase bleeding, and raise the risk of infection. Snakebite wounds are already vulnerable due to venom-induced tissue breakdown, and additional trauma can slow healing or lead to complications such as necrosis. In severe cases, improper handling of the wound may result in long-term damage or the need for surgical intervention.
The venom itself becomes especially fatal once it mixes into the bloodstream. Different snake venoms affect the body in different ways, including damaging nerves, breaking down blood cells, interfering with clotting, or causing muscle paralysis. Once venom circulates internally, it cannot be “sucked back out.” Only anti