Outrage as non-experts publicly attack evidence-based snakebite treatment

Widespread outrage has followed the circulation of a viral video in which non-medical individuals publicly criticised the clinical management of a snakebite victim, late Miss Ifunnaya Nwangene, with medical experts warning that the commentary was unscientific, unethical, and potentially life-threatening.

The 45-second video, widely shared on social media, features a roundtable discussion in which participants without medical training faulted a medical doctor for administering intravenous (IV) fluids and for untying a tightly bound limb during treatment.

According to health professionals, both actions are firmly grounded in evidence-based medicine and align with World Health Organisation, WHO, guidelines for snakebite management.

Snakebite is a medical emergency that requires prompt hospital care. Experts explain that IV fluids are a fundamental component of treatment, used to stabilise patients, prevent or manage shock, support kidney function, and maintain adequate circulation.

Criticism of IV fluid administration, they say, reflects a serious misunderstanding of basic emergency medical practice.

Medical authorities also refuted claims supporting the continued tying of a bitten limb.

WHO and toxicology guidelines clearly discourage the use of tight tourniquets, which can lead to restricted blood flow, nerve injury, tissue death, and an increased risk of limb loss. The controlled release of a tied limb in a hospital setting is considered the safest approach and is standard medical practice.

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