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$Title{What Should Be Done About Snake Bites?}
$Subject{snake bite pack ice cool poison snakes rattlesnake water moccasin
cottonmouth copperhead pit vipers venom coral rattler antivenin accident
accidents skin puncture punctures bites poisons poisonous viper venoms
antivenoms venomous}
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Copyright (c) 1992,1993   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


What Should Be Done About Snake Bites?


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QUESTION:  What's the most important thing to do in the event of snake bite?
Shouldn't you pack the bite area in ice, and then get help?  That is if there
is ice available.  I would be grateful if you could answer this important
question in your column very soon, before the summer camping season is over.

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ANSWER:  Keeping cool is certainly the most important step in treating a snake
bite emergency, but it does not involve putting ice on the bite.  In fact that
is probably the one measure that most experts agree is the wrong thing to do,
as it can cause additional damage to the tissues that could lead to
amputation.
     You can stay cool if you know a little bit about snake bites.  There are
four species of poison snakes in the United States:  rattlesnake, water
moccasin (or cottonmouth), and the copperhead.  These are all pit vipers and
produce a venom that breaks down proteins and blood.  The fourth species is
the coral snake, which produces a poison that damages the nervous system.
Snake bites cause from 7 to 12 fatalities each year, most of these from
rattler bites.  Although there is still some controversy about the management
of snake bites, all agree that the single most important first aid treatment
is the speedy transport of the patient to a medical center or facility.
There, the decision to either use an antivenin or treat the bite surgically
can be determined.  This will depend upon the severity of the bite as
determined by the appearance of the wound area and the condition of the
patient, and the amount of venom that has been "injected" through the bite.
Both timely treatment and the neutralizing of the venom at the site of the
puncture wounds is important.  In some cases, the skin and underlying tissue
around the fang puncture may be removed.
     Here again, prevention is the best treatment, using protective boots and
clothing as a first line defense, and exercising extreme caution when hiking
through areas where snakes are likely to be found.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.