Snake

There are many dangerous animals in the world, Snake is one of them. Every year a lot of people die due to snake bite.

The knowledge of snake bite first aid can be the difference between death and survival for a person that has been bitten.

Most species of snake are harmless but unless you are absolutely sure that you have identified the snake correctly then treat the bite seriously and apply snake bite first aid - See instructions below.

Snake Facts

• Children are at higher risk for death or serious complications because of their smaller body size.
• Snakes found in and near water are frequently mistaken as being poisonous.
• A snake can actually bite for up to an hour after it is dead (from a reflex).
• Although Australia is home to the largest number of venomous snakes in the world, it averages only one fatal snake bite per year.
• Not all poisonous snakes are fully charged with venom.
• Even those that are fully charged do not always inject a lethal dose.

Other factors

Other factors that influence the possible seriousness of a snake bite include

• the persons health, size, age, and psychological state.
• the nature of the bite may also vary, like penetration of one or both fangs, the amount of venom injected, the location of the bite and proximity to major blood vessels.
• the health of the snake and the interval since it last used its venom mechanism is also important.

These multiple variables make every bite unique. Depending on circumstances, the bite of a “mildly” venomous snake may be life-threatening and that of a “strongly” venomous snake may not. Again treat the bite seriously and apply snake bite first aid - See instructions below.

Signs and Symptoms

The most common symptoms of all snakebites are:

Emotionally based symptoms-

• overwhelming fear
• panic
• emotional instability

This may be because of all the hype surrounding snakes and possible death or injury from bites which in turn may cause symptoms such as-

• nausea
• vomiting
• diarrhoea
• vertigo
• fainting
• tachycardia (fast heart beat)
• cold and clammy skin.

Physically based symptoms-

• Most snake bites, whether by a venomous snake or not, will have some type of local effect. There can be minor pain and redness in over 90% of cases, although this varies depending on the site.
• Bites by vipers and some cobras may be extremely painful, with the local area sometimes becoming tender and severely swollen within 5 minutes. The bite area may also bleed and blister.
• Pit viper bites may include lethargy, weakness, nausea, and vomiting. Then over time may develop more life-threatening symptoms such as low blood pressure, rapid breathing, severe tachycardia (heart beats very fast), altered perception of what is happening around them and respiratory failure (breathing difficulty or breathing stops). It this happens CPR should be applied.

First Aid For Snakebites

• Call medical help immediately if possible.
• Remain calm, remember most snake bites are not fatal.
• Minimise movement if possible. If you are hiking alone you may have to hike out for help.
• If you are bitten on the arm or finger remove any rings, bracelets or watches. Loosen any tight clothing in case swelling occurs.
• Apply a pressure bandage to the bitten limb. If the bite is to the trunk, head or neck, apply firm pressure to the bitten area. Do not restrict chest movement as breathing will be affected by this.
• Splint or use a sling on the bitten limb to restrict movement.
• If there is no bandage or equivalent to apply a pressure bandage make note of any inflammation by tracing the edge of the swelling with a pen or the like near/around the bite and mark the time clearly next to it. If it progresses make a new tracing noting the time of each new mark beside that new tracing. This will give valuable information to medical help as to the development of the swelling.
• If possible, lie down and keep the bitten extremity at body level. Raising it can cause venom to travel through the body quicker. Holding it down, can increase swelling.
• When possible arrange for transport to the nearest hospital emergency room, where anti-venom for snakes common to the area will often be available and given if required.

Some definite No No's
for Snake Bite First Aid

• NO aspirin or other pain relievers.
• NO tourniquets. This cuts blood flow completely and may result in loss of the affected limb.
• DO NOT try to suck the venom out of the wound or cut into the bite with a knife. Such measures have not been proven useful and may cause further injury (see below explanation).
• DO NOT apply a cold compress or ice on the bite. Research has shown this to be potentially harmful.
• DO NOT raise the wound above the heart. Raising it can cause venom to travel into the body. Holding it down, can increase swelling.
• DO NOT use electric shock or a stun gun on the bite area. This method is under study and has yet to be proven effective. It could harm the victim.
• DO NOT wash the snake bite area - Australian recommendations for snake bite treatment strongly recommend against cleaning the wound. Traces of venom left on the skin/bandages from the strike can be used in combination with a snake bite identification kit to identify the species of snake. This speeds determination of which anti-venom to administer in the emergency room.(1)

DO NOT try and capture the snake. If it's safe you can try to take a photo with a camera or with your phone. This is the best way in aiding snake identification.