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SNAKE BITE - FIRST AID & PREVENTION
Snakes are such an important part of our ecosystem. With their assistance, the mice and rat populations are kept in balance, thereby reducing and controlling outbreaks of certain diseases. Snakes are also beautiful animals, with many on the endangered species list. Prevention If you are out and about, avoid areas where a high concentration of snakes may live such as rocky hills, bluffs, swamps, marshes, and deep holes in the ground. Choose footwear carefully; the key here is usually thick leather or rubber footwear. Next, watch where you are walking – and where you choose to sit. Types of Venomous Snakes in the US There are four types of poisonous snakes in the United States: rattlesnakes, copperheads, cottonmouths (also called water moccasins), and coral snakes. It is important to be able to recognize the snake that bit the victim so that the proper antivenin can be administered at the hospital.
Rattlesnakes, Copperheads & Cottonmouths Traits include triangular heads, slit-like eyes, long fangs and a similar bite pattern. Rattlesnakes and copperheads shake their tails when disturbed, but only rattlesnakes have rattles on the end of their tails. Cottonmouths can be recognized by the white lining of their mouths. Rattlesnakes are prominent throughout most regions of the United States, though the species vary within these regions, depending on the equipment provided by Mother Nature. Copperheads and cottonmouths can be found in the southeastern regions of the United States. Coral Snakes Coral snakes can be found in the southern regions of the United States. Banded in red, black and yellow hues, the coral snake is quite beautiful. They can be distinguished from similarly colored nonpoisonous snakes with the help of this familiar rhyme: "Red on yellow, kill a fellow, Red on black, friend of Jack" Snakebite, by either a venomous or non-venomous snake, always requires medical attention. A bite occurring in a non-venomous snake can become infected, or the victim may experience an allergic reaction to the snakebite. SYMPTOMS
1. Call 911 for emergency help. 2. Keep the victim calm and still. If possible, place the bite below the victim's heart level. 3. If are able to identify the snake, then do so – but stay out of harm's way. The last thing you need is two victims. 4. Remove any constricting jewelry or clothing near the bite. 5. If the victim needs to move, don't let him walk. 6. If the victim is not breathing or does not have a pulse or heartbeat, begin CPR. A few medical references recommend that if medical help is more than ½ hour away, a tourniquet should be applied 2-4 inches above the bite, and that it should be loose enough so that you can slip your fingers under the tourniquet (belt, etc). Some also recommend cleaning the bite wound with a clean cloth and water, taking care not to rub the bite. This article is not meant to diagnose or treat snakebite. Always seek medical assistance in the event of an emergency. Source: The Medical Advisor by Time Life Click Here to Return to American Outback |
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