Reptile & Amphibian Forums

It is said that for every hot snake you have, you should have a bite protocol made for it and place it near the cage or in a known spot..

For someone who is just starting out, could someone possibly copy and paste your own that you use, just for my reference so I can see how you set it up or provided information

Thanks alot
PatrickR

Hello,

A good bite protocol is species or genus specific, and includes all pertanent information for that species. You might also want to include emergency contact names for experts on exotic snake bites if you keep exotics because 99.9% of docs won't know how to treat it. You also want written instructions BY YOU on what to do so the doc has no qualms or legal worries when administering the antivenin...most docs are hesitant to administer foreign AV because it's not approved by the FDA and they are afraid of legal ramifications. Also, if keeping some potentially lethal snakes, you might want to include a copy of your living will and if you want, a DNR order to protect your quality of life. I know i wouldn't want to be saved if being a vegetable would be my best chance at life. To get professionally written protocols by species for the most commonly kept medically signifigant species written by a doctor versed in snakebite, go here :
http://www-surgery.ucsd.edu/ENT/DAVIDSON/snake/

Also, MsTT has what she would do in the event a hot snake bit her...she does make note though that this is her personal protocol and she is NOT SAYING THIS IS WHAT TO DO, it's just a guideline and what SHE WOULD PERSONALLY DO FOR HERSELF, so do your own research and come up with what you think is right.

http://www.kingsnake.com/snakegetters/demo/snakebitten.html

Hope this helps.

I forgot to add, the protocol MUST include a list of places or people to obtain the correct antivenin in case you don't have it or don't have enough. Of course, with exotic species, keeping AV on hand is wise...

AP

For someone who is just starting out, could someone possibly copy and paste your own that you use, just for my reference so I can see how you set it up or provided information

The bare minium I would think is to label all cages clearly in bright warning colors that the contents of the cages are venomous/dangerous snakes and exactly what kinds they are (common and scientific names).

Keep a list of phone numbers posted in plain view in the room where the cages are kept where it can't be missed...clear space on the wall or on a door. The list should have the closest hospitals to you that can/will treat venomous snake bites. Also doesn't hurt to have the numbers for zoos with good reptile houses who might have contact info in case it may be necessary to help track down sources for antivenin in the even a hospital is unable to locate any. And I would think it a good idea to have the number of at least one other person (2 or more is better) in your area who is trained to handle venomous snakes as it may be necessary that they come out quickly to deal with your snake should it get loose and you are injured. I don't think too many people would feel all that crazy about going into a room to help you if they knew a dangerous snake was loose in there too somewhere.

If the types of snakes kept are generally the same in terms of venom effects you can probably come up with a standard list of dos/donts that someone else can follow to help provide early treatment if they have to wait for emts or something and you are unconcious. Otherwise you may have to have specific written instructions for each type of snake and hope that the person will be able to determine which snake tagged you so they would know what instructions to follow.

And as someone else mentioned... a list of instructions posted that someone can grab for the doctors and those at the hospital treating you to help off set legal worries on what you want done in the event you can't tell someone.

Also in the event that the worst happens and you die, probably have a clause in your will on who is to inherit custody of the snakes and what should be done with them.