SNAKE BITESMary Carroll-Ambrose

Myths About Snakes

Snakes hold their tails in their mouths to create a circle and will chase you.

When you kill a snake, another one will chase you.

What is true is that excessive killing of snakes leads to over population of rodents and more diseases.

Snake Bite Facts

There are about 8000 venomous snake bites reported each year in the US.

Only about 12 people die each year from snake bites.

The chances of getting bit by a snake are 1:10 million.

Victims of snake bites usually have two things in common; tattoos and alcohol.

Snake Venom

Hemotoxic causing damage to the blood and other tissues.

Snake Venom

Neurotoxic causing damage to the nerves.

(smart fellow)

Hemotoxin Symptoms

Intense pain Weakness Rapid pulse Numbness/tingling Bruising Bleeding Vomiting Metallic taste Confusion

Neurotoxic Symptoms

Eyelid drooping (ptosis) Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) Double vision (diplopia) Excessive salivation Sweating Decreased reflexes Respiratory depression Paralysis

General Rules for Treatment

Bitten area should be immobilzed Transported to the hospital quickly Area washed with soap and water Wide tourniquet applied 2-4 inches above the bite

if on an extremity Incising and suctioning the bite area has not be

shown to be helpful Ice or cooling packs should never be applied

as these have no benefit and may cause harm

Most importantly, victims of a snake bite should be evaluated in an ER as soon as possible

Snake Bite Treatment

Reassurance-keep patient clam Minimize all activity Remove all jewelry Do not incise the wound as this will cause

further tissue damage Do not use electrical shock at site as this

will not work Do not suction with your mouth as this will

most likely cause more harm

Snake Bite Treatment

Splint and immobilize the extremity Maintain at heart level-do not elevate

above the heart Transport to ER asap-call ahead if possible

as many ERs do not routinely carry anti-venom

Vipera palaestinae antivenin 20ml IV over 30 minutes

If symptoms are still present, 10ml IV over 30 minutes

Watch carefully for anaphylacic reactions

References

www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=retrieve

Venomous Snake Bite Tretment Information by MedicineNet.com

Survive Outdoors inc.com