Published: May 05, 2010
Snake Bite Safety 2010
By Claudia Strasbaugh
New Snake Bite Serum To Save Your Life
Snake season 2010 is just beginning.
Not all snakes are poison, but each year over 400,000 people around the world are bitten by venomous snakes, and at least 20,000 of them die. WHO warns that these figures may be as high as 1,841,000 envenomings and 94,000 deaths. Fortunately, two companies have just released a new 2010 antivenin - an antidote to snake venom to be administered by doctors and hospitals.
Most serums are made by injecting small doses of snake venom into horses whose bodies develop anti venom, then withdrawing the blood.
Many victims are campers, or others who enjoy wilderness areas, hikers, picnickers or those who simply live in areas where snakes like too.
There is also a great deal you can do for yourself beginning by identifying which are most dangerous. These are:
Rattlesnake
Copperhead
Cottonmouth Water Moccasin
Coral Snake
Symptoms of a poisonous bite:
a bloody wound discharge
signs of fang marks in the skin and swelling at the site of the bite
localized pain, usually severe
rapid pulse rate
sometimes diarrhea
serious feelings of burning
involuntarily convulsions
chills or fainting
dizziness
weakness
blurred eyesight
excessive sweating or feverishness
uncommon thirst
muscle coordination loss
vomiting or nausea
tingling or numbness
rapid heart beat
If bitten, seek emergency assistance as quickly as possible.
If you can't get it or until then:
Flush the bite site with soap and water.
Whenever possible lower the bitten body part trying to keep it lower than the heart.
Cover bite with a clean cool compress or a moist gauze or cloth dressing to slow welling and ease discomfort.
Check vital signs of victim as much possible.
If it is not possible to get medical care within half an hour, American Red Cross recommends:
Apply a bandage, wrapped two to four inches above the bite, to help slow the venom. This should not cut off the flow of blood from a vein or artery - the band should be loose enough to slip a finger under it.
A suction device can be placed over the bite to help draw venom out of the wound without making cuts. These devices are often included in commercial snake bite kits.
Most often, physicians use anti-venin - an antidote to snake venom - to treat serious snake bites. Anti-venin is derived from antibodies created in a horse's blood serum when the animal is injected with snake venom. Because anti-venin is obtained from horses, snake bite victims sensitive to horse products must be carefully managed.
Best Action Is To Prevent Any Snake Bites:
Most bites occur when accidently stepping on a snake lying among underbrush. Watch where you put your foot, it can greatly reduce chances of snake attack.
When out in snake country:
Avoid snakes. If you spot one leave it alone. Many folks get bitten by deciding to kill a snake and get too near it.
Avoid tall weeds or grassy areas.
When hiking, wear thick leather boots and stay on your hike path as much as you can.
Do not extend your hands or feet into places where you cannot clearly see what's there
Never pick up rocks, especially in dry areas.
Use a shovel or even tree branch to move firewood when outdoors.
Be cautious and alert when climbing rocks.
Wherever you go, whatever you do, if in snake country always be prepared to stay out of snake striking distance.
The World Health Organization just opened a new website with extensive information.
Claudia Strasbaugh is a NewsBlaze and freelance writer who founded Scripps Ranch/Mira Mesa Writer's Guild. See more of Claudia's work at Dinner on a Dollar
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