Post by Icarus on Mar 24, 2008 11:40:40 GMT -5
Symptoms of Snakebites:
Rattlesnakes, Copperheads/Water Moccasins, and Cottonmouths:
-Increased pain at bite site
-Rapid swelling and skin discoloration at bite site
-Twitching skin
-Dizziness
-Nausea
-Sweating
-Numbness around mouth
Coral Snakes:
-Pain at bite site
-Drowsiness
-Slurred speech
-Double vision
-Sweating
-Nausea
-Delirium
-Seizures
How To Treat Snakebites:
1. Call 911-if possible
2. Keep victim calm and still.
3. Place the bite below the victim’s heart, if possible.
4. Identify the snake (if possible) or look at the bite marks: (If there are two rows of bite marks, with no two puncture marks at the very narrow point of the bite, it is probably not poisonous.)
5. Check the victim’s ABCs. If the victim is not breathing or has no pulse/heartbeat, begin CPR.
6. If the bite is on the victim’s arm or leg, tie a band above it, but release the band for a minute or two every fifteen minutes or so. If swelling is too much, raise the band a bit higher. The band should be tied using a belt or scarf or sash. Tie it two to four inches above the bite. Make sure that a finger’s width can be placed in between the victim’s skin and the band.
CAUTION: Do not do this if you even *think* that the bite came from a coral (harlequin/bead) snake.
7. If the bite occurred within five minutes, but it will take more than thirty minutes for medical help to arrive: With a sterile razor, cut through the skin and through the bite mark. Cut along the length of a limb-not across it, and do not make any cuts on the head, neck or torso of the victim. Using a suction cup if you happen to have one, or if not, your mouth, suck out the venom. Make sure that you do not swallow the venom. It must be spit out! If there are any open sore or cuts in the mouth, venom can get inside of those and poison the rescuer.
8. Wash out the bite with clean water and soap (if possible).
9. Remove any constricting jewelry, clothing or other raiment.
10. Place a clean cloth bandage over the bite mark.
11. Watch for signs of allergic reactions.
12. If the victim desires to move, carry them. Do not allow them to walk.
Source: The Medical Advisor: Home Edition
Rattlesnakes, Copperheads/Water Moccasins, and Cottonmouths:
-Increased pain at bite site
-Rapid swelling and skin discoloration at bite site
-Twitching skin
-Dizziness
-Nausea
-Sweating
-Numbness around mouth
Coral Snakes:
-Pain at bite site
-Drowsiness
-Slurred speech
-Double vision
-Sweating
-Nausea
-Delirium
-Seizures
How To Treat Snakebites:
1. Call 911-if possible
2. Keep victim calm and still.
3. Place the bite below the victim’s heart, if possible.
4. Identify the snake (if possible) or look at the bite marks: (If there are two rows of bite marks, with no two puncture marks at the very narrow point of the bite, it is probably not poisonous.)
5. Check the victim’s ABCs. If the victim is not breathing or has no pulse/heartbeat, begin CPR.
6. If the bite is on the victim’s arm or leg, tie a band above it, but release the band for a minute or two every fifteen minutes or so. If swelling is too much, raise the band a bit higher. The band should be tied using a belt or scarf or sash. Tie it two to four inches above the bite. Make sure that a finger’s width can be placed in between the victim’s skin and the band.
CAUTION: Do not do this if you even *think* that the bite came from a coral (harlequin/bead) snake.
7. If the bite occurred within five minutes, but it will take more than thirty minutes for medical help to arrive: With a sterile razor, cut through the skin and through the bite mark. Cut along the length of a limb-not across it, and do not make any cuts on the head, neck or torso of the victim. Using a suction cup if you happen to have one, or if not, your mouth, suck out the venom. Make sure that you do not swallow the venom. It must be spit out! If there are any open sore or cuts in the mouth, venom can get inside of those and poison the rescuer.
8. Wash out the bite with clean water and soap (if possible).
9. Remove any constricting jewelry, clothing or other raiment.
10. Place a clean cloth bandage over the bite mark.
11. Watch for signs of allergic reactions.
12. If the victim desires to move, carry them. Do not allow them to walk.
Source: The Medical Advisor: Home Edition