SNAKEBITE

Bite from a venomous snake, including rattlesnake, copperhead, water moccasin or coral snake. Bites on the extremities are most common, but bites on the head and trunk are most dangerous. They are likely to happen to runners, joggers, walkers, hikers, backpackers, fishers, boaters and campers, or anyone playing or working where snakes live.

Causes
Bites from venomous snakes are most likely to occur during outdoor activities in warm months in areas where venomous snakes are abundant.

Signs and symptoms

Diagnosis The patient's history and account of the injury, observation of fang marks, snake identification (when possible), and progressive symptoms of envenomation all point to poisonous snakebite. Laboratory test results help identify the extent of envenomation and provide guidelines for supportive treatment. Abnormal test results in poisonous snakebites may include the following: . Prolonged bleeding time and partial thromboplastin time

decreased hemoglobin and hematocrit values sharply decreased platelet count (less than 200,000/ul) urinalysis disclosing hematuria increased white blood cell count in victims who develop an infection (the mouth of a snake typically contains gram-negative bacteria) pulmonary edema as shown on chest X-ray possibly tachycardia and ectopic heartbeats on the electrocardiogram (usually necessary only in cases of severe envenomation for a patient over age 40) Possibly abnormal EEG findings in cases of severe envenomation.

The following are simple steps to take when treating a snake bite in the wilderness:

Identify species of snake. (Necessary for anti-venom treatment) Place the victim in the supine position to slow venom metabolism and absorption. Don't give the victim any food, beverage, or medication orally. If a tourniquet is applied, the victim or the person applying the tourniquet should check the victim's distal pulses regularly and loosen the tourniquet slightly as needed to maintain circulation. CLINICAL TIP Remember that the goal of applying a tourniquet is to obstruct lymphatic drainage, not blood flow. The use of a tourniquet in prehospital care is controversial. Never give the victim alcoholic drinks or stimulants because they speed venom absorption. Never apply ice to a snakebite because it will increase tissue damage. Move away from the snake. Stay Calm. Keep your heart rate down. Do not panic. Do not elevate the bite. Keep it below the heart. If youre traveling with a group, send the fastest person to the nearest place for help. Make sure they travel safely! Remove any jewelry or clothing that could become constricting when the bitten area swells. You can use a snake bit kit to try and siphon venom out, but this method is highly debated by professionals. Your time may be better spent with the other steps. Clean the bite with soap and water or antiseptic wipe before administering any other snake bite first aid. Wrap bite area tightly with ace bandage. Start below the bite and work your way up, do NOT wrap too tight, restricting circulation. Its also a good idea to immobilize or splint, if the bite is on an extremity, to prevent movement. This helps keep the venom from spreading more quickly.

Remember, just because you are bitten doesnt mean you are going to die. Venomous snake bites can be fatal, but often they are not. Just follow these steps to assure you dont become another statistic. DO NOT

Cut bite area and try to siphon out with mouth. Apply ice. Administer medications. Use Alcohol. because they speed venom absorption.

Special considerations and prevention

Even though most snakes are not poisonous, avoid picking up or playing with any snake unless you have been properly trained. Rapidly apply antiseptic cleanser to the entire area and place cold compress as closely as possible without interfering with suction process. DO NOT cut into a snake bite with a knife or razor. Keep victim warm and immobilize as practical. Movement to proper treatment facility is more crucial than maintaining immobile status. Maintain above treatment functions throughout.

Medication
Your doctor may prescribe:

Antivenin to neutralize snake poison. Tetanus booster injection. Antibiotics to prevent infection. Pain relievers. (Narcotics cannot be used for coral-snake bites. They may cause shock.)

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