SNAKES:
Snakes are more scared of you than you for them.
Topic 2 – Snakes:
They will only bite or strike when cornered or startled.
SNAKE BITES
- Always assume that all snakes are poisonous and avoid all contact
- Immediately after a snake bite, contact the emergency control centre and answer questions accordingly
- The emergency control centre will notify the clinic immediately
- Try to identify the snake to give a description of the snake to the emergency control officer
If possible, kill the snake so that positive identification can be made upon arrival at the scene. This will assist in ensuring that the correct type of anti venom is administered to the patient.
SNAKE BITES
Treatment prior to the arrival of medical assistance:
- Shock is the major problem
- Apply shock treatment
- Direct pressure on the bitten area
- Apply firm bandage from the bite area down the limb and back again
- Watch victim for signs of panic and try and ensure that he/she remains conscious and calm
Do not
- Wash the bitten area.
- Elevate the limb.
- Remove the bandage.
- Allow the victim to run or walk.
- Make an incision or suck out the wound to remove venom.
- Don’t apply a tourniquet.
- Don’t panic.
Wait for ambulance to transport the victim to hospital and complete the necessary incident report forms.