Man comes back to life after venomous snakebite stops his heart

An Egyptian man, 40-year-old Abdullah Abu Eisha, defied death after a venomous snakebite caused his heart to stop, reports indicate. The incident unfolded while Mr. Abu Eisha was harvesting clover in a field near Fayoum, south-west of Cairo, according to Egyptian media and health authorities. Identified as a local snake catcher, Mr. Abu Eisha was attempting to catch the serpent after he was bitten, fearing for the safety of others in the village.

Upon reaching Tamia Central Hospital in critical condition, Mr. Abu Eisha had lost consciousness and lacked a pulse or spontaneous breathing. Doctors promptly initiated emergency resuscitation efforts before transferring him to intensive care. The medical team administered 60 doses of antivenom, following guidance from a poison-control center, and placed him on mechanical ventilation for three days to monitor his condition and manage the venom's effects.

Gradually, Mr. Abu Eisha's health stabilized and he eventually recovered enough to leave the hospital. The severity of his envenoming and the quantity of antivenom required have garnered attention in Egypt, as the World Health Organization emphasizes the importance of seeking immediate medical attention upon suspicion of a venomous snake bite. Medical authorities advise against attempting to catch or kill the snake, using tourniquets, cutting or sucking the wound, or applying ice.