A

Presentation
on

By
Emmanuel

Prevention
and
Management
of Snake Bites
2016

VENOMOUS
While snakes are such a rarity to
SNAKES
see, and snakes bites are
extremely unlikely, snakes are
of concern to field operations
personnel and safari participant
(visitors).
Among the poisonous snakes of
Uganda, the most dangerous
species are the puff adder,
Gabon viper, black and green
mambas, boomslang, and
several cobras including the
spitting cobra.
These snakes account for
several hundreds of reported
envenomations each year.

After a natural disaster like heavy rain or extended dry and hot seasons, snakes
may have been forced from their natural habitats and move into areas where
they would not normally be seen or expected. Thus, be cautious of snakes that
may have sought shelter in your environment during this season.

How to avoid snakebites

Constant awareness. Learn which snakes may

be native to the area and familiarize yourself
with their habits i.e which ones are venomous
and which are not.

While not all snakes are venomous, it is

difficult to identify snakes so all bites should
be treated as dangerous.

Prevention of Snake Bites

Keep yards, well pads and adjacent property clear of

bushes. Trim hedges and clear brush to discourage
snakes from taking up residence near your home.

Reduce rubbish/materials where a snake could shelter.

When on foot, always scan or watch the ground in front of

and around your path.

Never step into an area that you cant check visually and
never, EVER!, put your hands in places that you cant see.

Prevention of Snake Bites

All snakes love to avoid interaction
with humans and, if made aware of our
presence before feeling threatened or
cornered, will retreat unnoticed.
Keep your bag zips and camp
containers closed at all times.
Walk with the aid of bright flashlight at
night around the camp.
When moving through tall grass or
weeds, poke at the ground in front of
you with a long stick to scare away
snakes.
Be aware that snakes tend to be active
at night and in warm weather.

Wear loose, long pants and high,

thick leather or rubber boots.

Prevention of Snake Bites

Never handle a snake, even if you think it is

dead. Recently killed snakes may still bite by
reflex.

Avoid places where snakes may live. These

places include tall grass or brush, rocky
areas, fallen logs, bluffs, swamps, marshes,
and deep holes in the ground.

Prevention of Snake Bites

Avoid climbing on rocks or piles of
wood where a snake may be hiding.

Realize that snakes can climb trees. Be

careful while walking under low hanging
branches

Signs of Snake Bites

If you have to walk in a
wild environment, you
may feel a bite, but not
know that you were bitten
by a snake. You may think
it is another kind of bite or
scratch. Pay attention to
the following snake bite
signs.

Signs or symptoms associated with a snake bite

may vary depending on the type of snake, but
may include:
A pair of puncture marks at the wound
Dizziness or fainting
Redness and swelling around the bite
Severe pain at the site of the bite
Nausea and vomiting
Labored breathing, Headache and Slurred
speech
Disturbed vision and Loss of coordination
Increased salivation, sweating and thirst
Numbness or tingling around your face
and/or limbs
Paralysis, Convulsions and Rapid pulse

Responding to a Snake Bites

In the event of an unlikely bite, we will follow a strict Pre-Hospital Emergency Care (WPHEC) protocol,
treating every snake bite from any potentially poisonous snake, or unidentified snake, as a medical
emergency, requiring little to no local treatment, other than regular wound management, and
granting immediate evacuation to the closest western-style medical facility.

Seek medical attention as soon as possible

by calling for call immediate Emergency
Medical Services (EMS).

If you or someone you know are bitten, try to take

note of the snake's appearance, which can help
with treatment of the snake bite. Do NOT approach
the snake; don't try to catch it or to kill it.

Responding to a Snake Bites

Move away from the snake's range, so you don't get

bitten a second time. Get to a safe spot a fair distance
away from the site where the bite occurred.

Stay calm or keep the bitten person still and

calm. This can slow down the spread of venom
if the snake is poisonous.

Responding to a Snake Bites

Keep the bitten part below the level of the

heart to slow down the flow of any affected
blood towards the heart.

Take off any jewelry or tight clothing near

the bite quickly, before swelling starts.

Responding to a Snake Bites

Clean the bite wound with clean cloth soaked

in water. Be sure to wipe in the direction
away from the wound.

If medical help is more than 30 minutes away, tie an elastic

wrap two inches above the bite. The wrap should be loose
enough to slip a finger underneath it.

The Dont during a Snake Bites

Do NOT bleed the wound.
Do NOT try to suck the venom out of the wound.
Do not apply a tourniquet.
Do not slash the wound with a knife.
Do not apply ice or immerse the wound in water.
Do not drink alcohol as a pain killer.
Do not drink caffeinated beverages.
Do not pick up the snake or try to trap it (this may put
you or someone else at risk for a bite).