A police officer in India survived a double snakebite after his colleagues used artificial intelligence to identify the species, allowing medical professionals to apply the appropriate treatment, The Free Press Journal reported.
The situation highlighted how artificial-intelligence tools can help in a life-or-death emergency.
Here's what to know
The situation occurred when Pooran Sikarwar, a police constable, was resting in his government housing in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh. Unbeknownst to Sikarwar, a venomous snake entered the room and bit his hand twice.
Sikarwar, who was posted at Bijoli police station, called out for help as his condition began to deteriorate, according to The Free Press Journal.
When other officers arrived, they found the snake still in the room. One officer photographed the snake and checked the image with an AI tool.
The AI tool identified the snake's species, allowing the officers to inform medical professionals, who then applied the correct anti-venom.
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While Sikarwar's condition had become serious, he began to improve after receiving treatment.
Afterward, the snake was caught safely, according to The Free Press Journal.
More background
During monsoon season, indoor snake encounters tend to increase because reptiles enter houses and other buildings in search of dry spaces.
This means that individuals must be especially vigilant in protecting themselves and others from potential bites.
If a venomous snakebite occurs, the person bitten should keep the affected limb as still as possible and seek emergency medical help right away.
While some people believe that cutting a snakebite or trying to suck out the venom can be effective treatments, experts advise against such practices.
As Sikarwar's situation showed, identifying the snake species can be vital to determining the appropriate treatment. However, people should be careful when approaching venomous snakes to take a photo.
Under no circumstances should anyone try to catch or handle a venomous snake unless they are a trained professional.
Where can I learn more?
While AI helped save a life in this situation, the following articles look at the pros and cons of such technology, including questionable AI foraging advice and tech-driven invasive-animal control.
• Culinary forager Alan Bergo warned that potentially life-threatening effects of AI can misidentify wild mushrooms and plants.
• In Scotland's Orkney, researchers unveiled technology to help curb invasive stoats threatening native wildlife.
• In Australia, a snake catcher lamented a homeowner's actions amid a red-bellied black snake discovery.
• Researchers warned that the potential for conflict is growing as urban wildlife sightings increase.
• Across California parks, a uniquely destructive wild animal has proven difficult to stop.
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