1. SNAKE BITES Mary Carroll-Ambrose

2. Myths About Snakes  Snakes hold their tails in their mouths to create a circle and will chase you.  When you kill a snake, another one will chase you.  What is true is that excessive killing of snakes leads to over population of rodents and more diseases.

3. Snake Bite Facts  There are about 8000 venomous snake bites reported each year in the US.  Only about 12 people die each year from snake bites.  The chances of getting bit by a snake are 1:10 million.  Victims of snake bites usually have two things in common; tattoos and alcohol.

4. Snake Venom  Hemotoxic causing damage to the blood and other tissues.

5. Snake Venom  Neurotoxic causing damage to the nerves. (smart fellow)

6. Hemotoxin Symptoms  Intense pain  Weakness  Rapid pulse  Numbness/tingling  Bruising  Bleeding  Vomiting  Metallic taste  Confusion

7. Neurotoxic Symptoms  Eyelid drooping (ptosis)  Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)  Double vision (diplopia)  Excessive salivation  Sweating  Decreased reflexes  Respiratory depression  Paralysis

8. General Rules for Treatment  Bitten area should be immobilzed  Transported to the hospital quickly  Area washed with soap and water  Wide tourniquet applied 2-4 inches above the bite if on an extremity  Incising and suctioning the bite area has not be shown to be helpful  Ice or cooling packs should never be applied as these have no benefit and may cause harm  Most importantly, victims of a snake bite should be evaluated in an ER as soon as possible

9. Snake Bite Treatment  Reassurance-keep patient clam  Minimize all activity  Remove all jewelry  Do not incise the wound as this will cause further tissue damage  Do not use electrical shock at site as this will not work  Do not suction with your mouth as this will most likely cause more harm

10. Snake Bite Treatment  Splint and immobilize the extremity  Maintain at heart level-do not elevate above the heart  Transport to ER asap-call ahead if possible as many ERs do not routinely carry anti-venom  Vipera palaestinae antivenin 20ml IV over 30 minutes  If symptoms are still present, 10ml IV over 30 minutes  Watch carefully for anaphylacic reactions

11. References  www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=retrieve www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=retrieve  Venomous Snake Bite Tretment Information by MedicineNet.com  Survive Outdoors inc.com