NewsKarnataka-Bantwal

Bantwal: In a heart touching incident reported from a village in Bantwal taluk, a nine year old  girl  risked her own life to  save the life of her classmate. The incident took place at the Nayila Government School in Narikombu village of Bantwal taluk.

His name is Nitesh, age 9 and a fourth standard student of the Nayila school. The girl is Pratiksha, also aged 9 and studying in the same class. On February 9, Nithesh who was playing in the school ground, all of a sudden  rope like object  which was found  on the edge of the compound.He was unaware  that  he had in fact lifted a snake until it  bit his  left ring finger. Other students who watched this  were shaken and soon raised a cry. Nithesh too who was in shock rushed towards the school building . It was at this juncture  that Pratiksha stopped a panic stricken Nithesh and gave him first aid.

What did she do ?

As soon as little Pratiksha came to know that a snake had bit Nithesh, she took a piece of rope which she found nearby and tied it  firmly around his  hand. She asked Nithesh where exactly the snake bit him and soon  placed her mouth at that place and started sucking  and spitting the blood  that filled her mouth. She did this for a few minutes and then took him to the headmaster’s chamber. Later the HM made arrangements to send the boy to the hospital.  This incident though took place about a week ago made big news only in the school. Many have heaved  a sigh of relief   on coming to know later that Nithesh was only bit by a rat snake and not any poisonous snake.

Whatever it is, one has to  say hats off to little Pratiksha, her courage  and her presence of mind in putting the knowledge of first aid which she had  to right use  in her earnest endeavour to save her classmate’s life. It is undeniable that more than the venom of the snake it is the fear of a snake bite that proves dangerous at times. Little Pratiksha no doubt was unaware whether it was a poisonous snake or not, but still  she displayed exemplary courage and saved  her friend’s life.

First Aid -Standard IV lesson

Yes, it was lesson number 21 on First Aid in the fourth standard text book which Pratiksha remembered first when she came to know that a snake had bit Nithesh. The lesson explains how first aid should be given to a person bit by snake- First a small cut with a clean knife should be made at the spot where the snake has bit and make the venom pass out along with the blood and then shift the patient to the hospital. The lesson was the first thing that came to my mind at that moment, says Pratiksha.

In fact  had the snake was venomous, then even Pratiksha could have been affected and her life would have been danger. But, in this case what matters is  the courage of Pratiksha.

Bantwal Medical Officer Dr Manjunath who has praised Pratiksha’s bravery, has said children have to learn a lot in this respect. Her  determination to save her friend’s life is also praiseworthy. Dr Manjunath also says that in such cases of first aid   when the venom is pumped out  by sucking there is always the danger as any boil in the mouth may prove dangerous.

Even Bantwal BEO Sheshashayana Karinja has congratulated Pratiksha and stressed the need to encourage such kids.

Hats off Pratiksha.