spider bites result in ulcerated areas that refuse to heal. Dress the ulcers
to prevent infection.
Snakebites can also be serious, if not deadly, though the majority of
snakebite victims suffer little or no effects from poisoning. Infection is a
real concern, however, due to the bacteria in the snake’s mouth, so clean
and disinfect the area immediately. Try to calm the victim and treat for
shock, if necessary.
Staying calm after a snakebite is easier said than done. I can’t imag
ine what I would have done if bitten by a snake in the Amazon. I was miles
away from anywhere and it would have been difficult to get out. And that’s
the paradox: When you’re bitten by a snake, what you want to do is run for
help, yet it’s the one thing you cannot do because it only serves to increase
the rate at which the venom spreads through your system.
Try to determine if the snake was poisonous or not. If in doubt,
assume it was! Give the victim as much fluid as possible, and remove con
stricting items such as belts, watches, and bracelets.
In treating snakebites, avoid the following:
Cutting: Opening the wound is ineffective in removing the venom, and the
open wound might become infected.
Alcohol: Similarly, this is ineffective for wound or patient.
Tourniquet: Constricting the bite might cause more damage and pain, and
even after the loss of a limb if applied incorrectly.To treat snakebite, follow these steps:
Calm the patient and keep him or her still.
Apply a broad bandage (crêpe) tightly around the whole limb, as for a sprained
ankle. This will retard absorption of the venom but still let blood through to
supply the bitewound with needed blood.
Check vital signs.
Immobilize the limb with a splint.
If it’s not possible to reach a doctor within hours and you have antivenin,
test for allergic reaction first by injecting a little under the victim’s skin or
inject antihistamine first. (Always carry an injectable antihistamine in your
firstaid kit.)(^314) | Survive!