What all is there to know about snakebite?

Answer 1

First, it's easier to prevent than to treat. Knowing that snakes are more exposed to the population when they are out in the sun to raise their body temperature should require extra caution by hikers in both spring and autumn. Also, use common sense in not putting your hands on a ledge above you where you can't see. The most common areas for snakebite are on the ankles and hands. Hikers should carry basic safety equipment in a fanny pack or backpack. This includes a suction kit with cups, but more importantly, an adequate tournequet. DO NOT under any circumstances use a knife to cut into the bitten area. It has been shown that not only does this not allow more venom to be extracted, but it allows a more rapid spread of the venom into the tissue. It is also very possible to cut tendons in this outdated practice. As to the types of snakes encountered, you should check a map from the internet about poisonous snakes in your state or region. Poisonous snakes venom falls into two different categories. Neurotoxic venom (as Eastern coral snakes) are systemic poisons and, while less likely to cause tissue loss, are more likely to kill if injected in sufficient quantities. Hematoxic venom (as most rattlesnakes) are unlikely to kill a person, but much more likely to cause loss of fingers or limbs. If you are bitten: Move away from the snake so it feels less threatened. If you can kill it, the body (esp the head) can be useful to the ER physicians or Poison Control Center in identifying the species. Use a tourniquet similar to the ligature used by phlebotimists in hospitals, ie., an elastic rubber/latex hose or tube about 1/3 inch in diameter. Apply the tourniquet ABOVE the bitten area at moderate compression for about 15 minutes, remove x 2 minutes, and reapply in cycles. The goal is not to cut off the blood supply, but to reduce the spread of the venom through the lymphatic system and tissue itself. There are antitoxins for both types venom, but you must get to an ER as soon as possible.