What to do when a snake bites

cobra

cobra

Published Mar 2, 2015

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Pretoria – Although research shows that only a small percentage of bites are from venomous snakes, anyone bitten should visit a medical practitioner as snake fangs are not sterile and puncture wounds can easily be infected, warn experts.

Doctor Vernon Wessels, of ER24, said this could lead to a condition called cellulitis, an infection of the tissue under the skin (subcutaneous tissue).

Depending on the bacteria involved, this condition can be serious and life-threatening.

He said a medical practitioner would be able to assess the likelihood of the bite being venomous, the depth of the bite and possibility of underlying structure damage for example tendon sheaths or joint spaces that may have been penetrated.

“A booster tetanus injection may be required as this is a serious life-threatening condition that is easily preventable through vaccination,” said Wessels.

If bitten, Wessels said it was important not to panic. “The majority of bites are not venomous. There have been patients who suffered serious injuries from motor vehicle incidents en route to hospital due to speeding.

“Panicking also increases blood circulation which could be detrimental. The patient should be calm. Apply a bandage to the area as this limits lymphatic drainage. Immobilise the limb if possible to limit movement.”

He said a description of the snake is useful. However, hunting it down could waste time and lead to another victim. “There are other ways of identifying the type of venom based on the symptoms the patient develops. Snake experts are often consulted by the doctor,” he said.

Arno Naude, a well-known snake expert and lecturer, is one of the people often contacted.

He says if you see a snake, try to get away. If you are more than two body lengths away from the snake, walk around it. If you are closer than that, freeze and try to determine which direction the snake is moving in. Try another direction for yourself. If the snake is approaching then a quick exit is safer.

Naude said bites from potentially lethal snakes could cause traumatic injuries through tissue destruction or neurological problems. Smaller adders and snakes, like burrowing asps, can cause swelling, pain and tissue death (necrosis). “In a worst case scenario, snake venom can kill by either causing the muscles to stop functioning, which causes paralysis and suffocation. It can possibly cause the body to go into shock and the organs to shut down. It can also in some cases cause you to bleed uncontrollably which will lead to your death,” he said.

This usually takes a number of hours and it is therefore advised that you seek medical attention immediately.

Naude said the most commonly encountered lethal snakes are the spitting cobra, puff adder, snouted cobra, Cape cobra and black mamba. Rinkhals are commonly encountered but rarely bite, just like the boomslang.

Although more abundant in natural habitats, snakes can be found in built-up areas.

“Because we are building on land that was historically open bush, some snakes have nowhere else to go. They end up in gardens in towns,” he said.

He urged people not to catch or kill snakes but to contact an expert instead.

“Snakes do not want to waste their venom on people so will only bite if they feel threatened. Leave them alone and they will have no incentive to bite you,” he said.

He advises people to wear proper clothing and boots when walking in the bush.

Also use a torch to shine on your path at night and be aware of what is around you at all times.

He added that all snakes they capture are released in a suitable habitat within the general geographical area where they were found.

 

* ER24’s Emergency Contact Centre can be reached 24 hours a day on 084 124 for any medical emergency.

IF BITTEN:

* Do not wash or cut the wound or try to suck out the venom.

* Do not use home remedies. No ice, heat packs or electrical shocks should be used. Alcohol and aspirin should be avoided.

* Tying a tourniquet around the bitten limb is a recipe for disaster in most instances.

Pretoria News

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