Recently become aware that someone has been bitten by Copperhead and when treated at a local hospital, it is obvious that the staff had no idea how to treat bites. It was quite a coincidence that one of the doctors at the hospital (but not A & E staff is a billion avid herpetologist and know how to properly treat bites. It was after the ice is used incorrectly (it should not have been everything used in a snake bite), and the patient has received a lot of pain now restored. The following information has been compiled several articles (all of them from a medical expert herpetologists).
This article will help to remedy the situation so that the error as one related above occur less frequently. Let us first cover the most important part: What not to do. Although doctors in the U.S. can not agree on all aspects of what to do for snakebite first aid, they are almost unanimous in their views on what to do. Among their recommendations: ? ice or anything cool bite. Studies have shown that this is potentially harmful. The same goes for hot packs. Tourniquets. This reduces blood flow completely and may result in loss of the affected joints. No electric shock. This method is under investigation and not yet proven effective. It can harm the victim. No incisions in the wound. Such measures have proven useful and may cause further damage. Do not eat or drink anything unless recommended by medical sources.
No participation in strenuous physical activity. Do not drink alcohol or use drugs. Do not apply oral (mouth) suction to bite. Do not remove dressings / elastic secret until arrival at hospital and antivenom available. Do not waste time or take any risks trying to kill or capture (to bring in) snake responsible for the bite. Arizona physician David Hardy, MD, says that part of the problem when someone has been bitten is the element of surprise. “People are often not trained in what to do and they are in a panic situation.” He added that the training includes knowing in advance how to get to the nearest hospital – can reduce anxiety and lead to more effective treatment.
Let us now look at tips for how to treat snake bites: First aid for snake bites “In the last five or 10 years, has support in first aid from really invasive things like making incisions,” says Arizona physician David Hardy, MD, who studies snakebite epidemiology. “It is because we now know that these things can hurt and we do not know if they really change the outcome.” Many health care professionals embrace just a few basic first aid techniques. According to the American Red Cross, these should be taken: Wash the bite with soap and water. Bitten immobilize the area and keep it lower than the heart (if possible).
Get medical help. “The important thing is to get to the hospital and not be delayed,” says Hardy. “Most bites do not occur in real isolated situations, so it’s possible to get quick [medical treatment.” He describes the case in Arizona where people have caught rattlesnakes for sport and gotten bitten. “They waited until they could no longer endure the pain and finally went to the hospital after the venom had been there for several hours, but since then they have lost the opportunity for effective treatment,” which increases the chances of long-term complications. Some medical experts, along with the American Red Cross recommends caution two other measures: If the victim is unable to reach medical care within 30 minutes, a bandage wrapped 2-4 inches above the bite, may help slow venom.
The dressing will not reduce the flow of blood from a vein or artery. A good rule of thumb is to make the band loose enough that a finger can slip under it. The bandage should be elastic or crepe bandage and should be packed as you would for a sprain. The suction device can be placed over the bite to help prepare the poison from the wound without making cuts. Suction instruments often are included in commercial snakebite kits. What to say to hospital staff. Ask the staff to contact emergency room immediately. Locate nearest Antivenom / Antivenin resources. Ask staff to use physician consultants with Poison Control. Describe the consultant snake so the proper antivenin can be administered (if necessary, and it is actually available for this type of snake).
Avoid Snakebite. Some bites, such as those inflicted when snakes accidentally stepped on or encountered in nature is almost impossible to prevent. But many experts say some simple precautions can significantly lower the risk of being bitten: Leave snakes alone. Many people are bitten because they try to kill a snake or get a closer look. Stands of tall grass unless you wear thick leather boots and remain on hiking paths as much as possible. Keep hands and feet of areas that can not see.
Do not pick up rocks or firewood unless you are in striking distance of a snake. (Snake can strike about half its length). Be careful and attentive when rocks. Be aware that poisonous snakes are common in the area before you enter. What do you do if you encounter a snake while walking, etc.? All you do is just walk around the snake, it’s long wharf, says two meters or so, and leave it alone. Whatever you do, do not try to catch him or bother him.
