CMC-PIC conducts online awareness program “ A primer of snake biology “ for school students in Vellore and Chittoor
In association with the International Snakebite Awareness Day celebrations in 2020, the CMC Poison Information Centre conducted an awareness program for school students. Posed to the unique challenge of the COVID-19 pandemic, virtual Zoom meetings were organized with 6 schools in and around the Vellore district, targeting class 11 and 12 students. These were attended by 1931 schoolchildren and their teachers. The sessions were conducted by Medical and Nursing faculty from Medicine Unit – I, Medical students, and Medicine Postgraduates. Titled, “A Primer to Snake Biology”, the sessions aimed to introduce the children to snakes as marvels of the animal kingdom – exploring unique aspects of snake biology such as locomotion, special senses, snake venom, and prey identification. Key aspects of snakebite prevention and appropriate first-aid were also discussed. The sessions were interactive and the students enthusiastically participated. Certificates of participation were issued to all students
