Snakebite
Alternate Names : Snake Venom Poisoning
What are the treatments for the injury?
Antivenins are neutral antibodies used to counter poison from snakebites. These medicines are very expensive. It is always wise, if possible, to call ahead to the emergency department to ensure that antivenin is available.
Antibiotics, such as ceftriaxone, are often given for a few weeks when a person is bitten by a nonpoisonous snake. A
DT booster shot may be given to protect the individual from tetanus organisms introduced into the wound.
When a snakebite occurs, these first-aid steps should be followed.
The victim should be kept calm. The site of the bite should be kept below the level of the heart. Movement should be limited. This helps keep poisons from circulating quickly in the blood.
Do not wash or rub the area around the bite.
Any constricting items, such as rings, should be removed.
Cover the area with a clean, dry pad.
If elastic bandages are available, wrap them firmly around the area. Start wrapping at the point furthest from the heart and wrap toward the heart.
The victim should be watched closely to make sure he or she is breathing.
If the snake is dead, it should be taken to the emergency department so that it can
be identified.
The victim may show signs of shock, such as rapid breathing or loss of consciousness. In this case, the helper should lay the victim flat and raise the feet about 12 inches above the level of the head. The victim should be covered with a
blanket. The emergency medical system should be contacted immediately.
There are several things to avoid when treating someone for snakebite.
Cuts should not be made in the skin near the bite.
No attempt should be make to suck venom out of the bite.
A tourniquet, or tight cord, should not be applied near the wound.
The victim should not be given anything to eat or drink.
What are the side effects of the treatments?
Antivenin and antibiotics may cause
allergic reactions. Antivenin may also cause serum sickness, an immune system problem that causes joint pain and interferes with kidney function.
What happens after treatment for the injury?
People given antivenin usually recover fairly quickly. However, any tissue destroyed before antivenin was administered must heal. This can take weeks or
months. If a large area was affected, skin grafts and other types of surgery may be needed.
People given antibiotics after a bite from a nonpoisonous snake usually recover well. Any new or worsening symptoms should be reported to the healthcare provider.
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