Reptile & Amphibian Forums

This may be a question for the amauture. But I am no expert.
So I just want to get all the facts strait before I go off and buy a venomous snake.But first aid seems to change drastically in a few years time. I have heard several thearies, as far as what to do,like icing, or using a turniquet.

So my question is, What EXACTLY should be done in case of a snake bite?

god bless
-daniel jarvis

This is the first aid treatment I wrote out for a course. Hope it answers your question.
Regards
John

Snakebite First-Aid

First Aid treatment of a snakebite victim
Recommendations for first-aid treatment should be short, simple, practicable and more helpful than harmful.

Reassurance is the most important thing you can do for a victim. Keeping the patient calm and still will reduce the heart rate and they’re for venom absorbtion. Serious poisoning is rare and death is highly exceptional if adequate hospital treatment is received. Paracetamol may be administered if in pain. DO NOT give aspirin or ibuprofen.

Hospital, The victim should be transported to hospital as soon as possible, irrelevant how minor the bite appears to be, with as minimum movement to the affected area.Transportation via ambulance is preferable.

Remove any rings, bracelets, watches etc from the effected limb.

Immobilisation of the bitten limb Apply a firm crepe bandage (Sutherlands pressure bandage) along the whole length of the bitten limb, this may be contra indicated for certain species of snakes that cause severe local effects ie swelling.

Spitting Cobras If venom enters the eyes. Irrigate the eyes as soon as possible with copious amounts of water. Seek medical advice. (Hospital)

The Snake Its identity tag containing the Latin name, common name, geographical location and antivenom type MUST accompany the victim at all times. Replace the snake in its enclosure if its safe to do so, or lock it in your snake room, REMEMBERING to inform relatives/friends that the animal is free. Be prepared to destroy the snake if the above is not an option.

Antivenom Should NOT be administered by the layperson.

Do Not immerse in ice (cryotherapy) this can result in server necrosis of the immersed limb resulting in amputation.

Do Not drink alcohol or eat any food, water is acceptable.

Do Not make any incisions, this can cause damage to tendons, cause secondary infection, lead to excessive bleeding, remember some snake venoms stop your blood from clotting.

Do Not apply a tourniquet.

Do Not use electric shock treatment, would you like it? It has no proven effect in neutralizing venom.

The application of venom extractors has been established that it does not remove any venom (Dr Sean Bush). If applied IMMEDIATELY after a bite it is possible that the unit will hold some/slow down the absorbtion of the venom in the area of the bite while a crepe pressure bandage can be applied. (My own personal view on snakes with predominant neurotoxins)
The application of a pressure bandage and splinting will be covered practically during the course.
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"Its no help to hide behind the statement that snake bite accidents are a rarity and that the average Dr seldom or never will treat one. For the bitten patient, it is a matter of life or death, and the rarity of the event is of no interest to him."

I agree with everything you recommend, except:

>>Do Not drink alcohol or eat any food, water is acceptable.

I would query the acceptability of water, certainly in the case of snakes causing neurotoxic envenoming. Often, these cause vomiting as well, and vomiting together with paralysis of pharyngeal muscles is a bad combo - the emptier the stomach, the better, so I'd recommend nil by mouth for all neurotoxic bites.

Just a thought...

Cheers,

Wolfgang
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WW Home

Johns protocol is the way to go...

Cheers!

Al

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If you give somebody a match and they can keep warm for a while.
If you light them on fire, They will be warm for the rest of their life.

Thank you, gentleman, very much.
Your wisdom is much appreciated.

Daniel Jarvis

I would only caution against using a pressure bandage on bites from Crotalids. The swelling usually attendant to the bite can turn the pressure bandage into a tourniquet in short order.

~~Greg~~

Thanks Wofgang I of explained that in more depth. I shall correct that to "Avoid oral intake of fluids, especially alcohol! If the patient will not reach medical care for an extensive period of time, only water should be given, in small amounts". (ie Field researcher)

Greg
As with the pressure bandage on crotalids its not advisable as you and I have stated. Its a judgement call on the individuals circumstances, ie field research/hiker etc, type of snake, distance to med facility. Swelling is normaly seen within 10-20mins when venom is injected, and the whole limb can be swollen within the hour in severe bites. If it is applied it should be closely monitored and slowly loosened if swelling becomes of concern. Its a hard judgment call and can cause more damage in none lethal bites.

John
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"Its no help to hide behind the statement that snake bite accidents are a rarity and that the average Dr seldom or never will treat one. For the bitten patient, it is a matter of life or death, and the rarity of the event is of no interest to him."