Ian:

The current approach for NATIVE snake envenomation except Coral snake & Mohave Rattlesnakes where there is a diffence in venom composition and actions, is to simply get to the hospital ASAP via the Paramedics. The only medicines that you could possible need in the field is Epinephrine and Benadryl. Both of these are used to treat ALLERGIES & ANAPHALXIS brought on be some offending antigen, in this case snake venom.

Now specifically about the Mojave & Coral snakes, all of the above apply with the addition of a "Pressure bandage" as described in the following link. This is solely because of the venoms of these two species are NEUROTOXIC in nature and preventing the disemination of the venom throughtout the body has been demonstrated to prolong life till the proper A/V is available. Pressure banadages are NOT to be used for envenomation by other species native to the USA as they keep the venom in the bitten area increasing the likelyhood of severe local damage and high compartmet pressure requiring surgical intervention. Dr. Sean Bush has written an excellent paper on this topic and my answer is based on his findings in part.

Good Luck,

Al





Pressure Banadage Technique


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