INITIAL PRE-HOSPITAL MANAGEMENT OF SNAKE BITE
- Before leaving, check that the emergency telephone number is stored in your phone
- In the case of a snake bite, immobilize the patient and keep them calm and call the emergency number immediately, do not delay. If alone, keep calm and do not continue cycling, sit down alert a fellow rider and ask them to phone the emergency number and ask them not to leave you until help arrives. The person phoning may have to ride to a higher point for cell phone signal. If you have a GPS unit get a GPS co-ordinate of the snake bite victim to aid with recovery
- Lie down, keep calm and keep hydrated
- Do not suck the bite site - Do not apply a tourniquet
- Comforting and reassuring the patient is a very important part of the first aid treatment.
- Try to get a good description of the snake
- Paramedics will have the necessary equipment to treat snake bites and will transfer the patient to Alberlito Hospital in Ballito
Notes: In most cases, victims have a couple of hours before serious life-threatening symptoms manifest themselves. ONLY in suspected neurotoxic bites (mamba, Cape cobra), it is recommended that you apply a wide crepe bandage (or other material) firmly above the bite site (as tightly as for a sprained ankle) to slow the spread of venom to vital organs like the heart and lungs. The life threatening neurotoxic effects of Mamba and Cape Cobra bites (such as difficulty in breathing) develop within 30 min to 4 hours. If you are more than 2 hrs away from medical assistance, respiratory support (e.g. mouth-to-mouth resuscitation) may be necessary. The life threatening effects of a cytotoxic snake bite (e.g. puff adder) develop late (6-24 hours). Wait for medical assistance to arrive.
Supplied by TYGERBERG POISON INFORMATION CENTRE
(Tel: 021 9316129)
