BOSCASTLE’S coastguard crews were called to Tregardock beach near Delabole recently to help a victim of an adder bite.

The help of the Boscastle team was entrusted after two walkers — one of which had been bitten by the snake — became stuck on the cliffs, before being brought back to safety by the lifeboat and an ambulance was called.

Boscastle Coastguard said: “Team tasked to two persons stuck on the cliff at Tregardock Beach, with one person believed to be bitten by an adder. Polzeath Coastguard were also tasked alongside Padstow Lifeboat.

“Search teams were set up and a hasty search was going on to locate the two persons involved from the cliffs and shoreline. With the two persons involved finally located, the best extraction method was for Padstow lifeboat to use their Y-class boat.

“With the two persons now rescued, they were taken to Padstow Lifeboat Station to the awaiting ambulance.”

Now the HM Coastguard Area 11 Cornwall & Isles of Scilly Coastal Safety team has issued advice on what to do if you get bitten by an adder, saying: “The National Trust rangers out near Kynance Cove several weeks ago and some other local agencies including the Coastguard have reported that the Adders have woken up and have been seen enjoying the sunshine.

“Most snake bites in the UK are not serious. But it’s important to get all snake bites checked as soon as possible.

“If you think you have been bitten by a snake out on the coast path and need medical assistance call 999 and ask for immediate help.”

Do:

l Stay calm, most snake bites in the UK are not serious and can be treated;

l Keep the part of your body that was bitten as still as you can;

l Lie in the recovery position if you can;

l Take paracetamol for any pain;

l Try to remember the colour and pattern of the snake to tell the doctor;

l Take off any jewellery and loosen clothes near the bite, in case it swells;

Don’t:

l Do not go near the snake, or try to catch or kill it;

l Do not try to suck or cut the poison (venom) out of the bite;

l Do not tie anything tightly round the part of the body where the bite is;

l Do not take aspirin or ibuprofen, as they can make bleeding worse.

There are only three types of snake that found in the wild in the UK.

The Coastguard advice continued: “The adder is the only venomous snake, but you should get all snake bites checked as soon as possible.

“Telling the doctors the colour and pattern of the snake that bit you could help them treat it.

“Adders are grey or reddish-brown, with a dark zig-zag shaped stripe down their back.

“Grass snakes are usually green, with dark spots down their sides and yellow and black bands around their neck.

“Smooth snakes are usually grey or brown with a dark pattern. The pattern down their backs are lighter and less zig-zag shaped than on adders.”

“Carry your dog (rather than allow him or her to walk) to try and reduce the spread of venom around the body.

“Bathe the wound in cold water to help control the swelling and try to keep your dog quiet and warm as you travel to your nearest vet practice.”