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Treatment of Venomous Snake Bites
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Posted on: 11/30/1999
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Can you name the most common venomous snakes in the U.S.? Did you know snakes have a bite reflex? They can still strike even when the head has been separated from the body! What about first aid for a snake bite -- any idea what to do? Don't worry; the authors of this article on snake bites have included all that information and much more. Read on!
It might surprise you to know that out of 6,000 snake bites reported (many are never reported) in the United States, only 12 result in death each year. But one out of three people are bitten by venomous snakes like rattlesnakes, cottonmouths, copperheads, and coral snakes.
Symptoms may develop right away up to hours later. They can be mild to severe and include nausea, vomiting, pain, numbness (even paralysis), and bruising and swelling of the area. More serious symptoms such as difficulty breathing, blood clot formation, and drop in blood pressure require immediate medical treatment.
What will the medical personnel do for a snake bite? Emergency medical techs (EMTs) are always taught to use the A, B, Cs first. A is for airway -- make sure the person's mouth and trachea are clear. B for breathing. If the patient is not breathing, a special emergency device can be used to pump air into the lungs. And C for circulation or compression. C reminds the EMT to check for a pulse or heartbeat and/or start applying chest compression if necessary.
In some situations, once the patient has been transported to a medical facility and evaluated, there may be nothing else required. Those patients are just kept under observation for eight to 12 hours. During that time, the local site of the bite will be cleaned and then monitored for any changes in size, color, swelling, or bleeding. When antivenin is available, this antidote to the snake bite is given to the patient right away.
What should you do if either you or someone with you gets bitten by a snake? Well, one thing you shouldn't do is follow the old Western cowboy movies. DON'T put a tourniquet around the arm or leg. DON'T cut around the bite and suck out the venom. Get medical help as quickly as possible. With cell phones and GPS units, fast emergency aid is often just minutes away.
Most people do alright after a snake bite. The worry about gangrene setting in and losing a limb or life is real but extremely rare. Antibiotics are not routinely used unless there are signs of skin or wound infection. Surgery is only required when there is damage to the deep structures such as the blood vessels, nerves, tendons, or muscles.
Every effort is made to keep the limb from swelling up. Reaction to the snake venom can create what looks like a compartment syndrome. Pressure from fluid inside the arm or leg stretches the soft tissues and layers of skin so much, surgery is required to cut the skin and release the pressure. The procedure is called a fasciotomy.
You don't have to worry about snake bites at all times and in every state. Of course, being outdoors in areas where snakes are sunning themselves on rocks or sleeping under leaves is a red-flag situation. Most snakes are hibernating and nowhere to be seen between November to March. The prime months for snake sightings and encounters are between April and October. And if you want to vacation in states where there are no native venomous snakes, try Hawaii, Maine, and Alaska!
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References:
Wes Madsen, MD< and John Elfar, MD. Snake Bites. In The Journal of Hand Surgery. October 2010. Vol. 35A. No. 10. Pp. 1700-1703.
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*Disclaimer:*The information contained herein is compiled from a variety of sources. It may not be complete or timely. It does not cover all diseases, physical conditions, ailments or treatments. The information should NOT be used in place of visit with your healthcare provider, nor should you disregard the advice of your health care provider because of any information you read in this topic. |
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