Snake bite treatment

[Andrew]

Print the attached factshee and keep it handy - along with some bandages.

You can get bandages from almost any chemist, it's a small investment that may well save a life. Keep spares in the stables, shed, car.  I do.

Here's a good youtube clip on pressure immobilization bandaging - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VgY2Gts3P7E

To date nobody has died from a snakebite in Australia when this method of first aid has been applied.

The "pressure-immobilisation" technique is currently recommended by the Australian Resuscitation Council, the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons and the Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists.

The lymphatic system is responsible for systemic spread of most venoms. This can be reduced by the application of a firm bandage (as firm as you would put on a sprained ankle) over a folded pad placed over the bitten area. While firm, it should not be so tight that it stops blood flow to the limb or to congests the veins. Start bandaging directly over the bitten area, ensuing that the pressure over the bite is firm and even. If you have enough bandage you can extend towards more central parts of the body, to delay spread of any venom that has already started to move centrally. A pressure dressing should be applied even if the bite is on the victims trunk or torso.

Immobility is best attained by application of a splint or sling, using a bandage or whatever to hand to absolutely minimise all limb movement, reassurance and immobilisation (eg, putting the patient on a stretcher). Where possible, bring transportation to the patient (rather then vice versa). Don't allow the victim to walk or move a limb. Walking should be prevented.

The pressure-immobilisation approach is simple, safe and will not cause iatrogenic tissue damage (ie, from incision, injection, freezing or arterial torniquets - all of which are ineffective).

Needless to say that shorts and thongs provide no protection. To avoid being envenomated, boots and long pants are ideal.  Most Australian snakes are short-fanged and hit close to the ground, they are unlikely to get through leather boots and even jeans will prevent much of the venom reaching the skin. 

[teen]

thanks Andrew have printed a few copies

[Ricca]

Me too, thanks Andrew...

Is it the same sort of treatment for animals as well?

[Snowy]

Sadly many animal bites are on the nose/face as they investigate the snake.

Something worth doing with horses is having two short lengths of garden hose on hand and a jar of vaseline or similar lubricant.  Horses that get bitten on the nose often suffocate to death because the airways in their nose close up and they can't breath (horses don't breath through their mouth).  If your horse has been bitten - lube up the hoses and insert them up the nostrils - you don't need to go further than where the skull bone commences so don't force it in too hard - this should stop the nasal passage swelling shut. 

And no matter what else - keep the horse calm and still while you wait for further treatment. 

[horsefeathers]

Thanks Andrew, that info is excellent. I have three top notch bandages and must remember to put two in the car. Thanks too, Snowy ... every day items we keep around the house are so handy!

[Andrew]

First Aid for Snake Bites:

Do NOT wash the area of the bite! It is extremely important to retain traces of venom for use with venom identification kits!

Stop lymphatic spread - bandage firmly, splint and immobilise!

The "pressure-immobilisation" technique is currently recommended by the Australian Resuscitation Council, the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons and the Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists.

Print the attached factsheet and keep it handy - along with some bandages. You can get bandages from almost any chemist, it's a small investment that may well save a life. Keep spares in the stables, shed, car.  I do.

Here's a good youtube clip on pressure immobilization bandaging - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VgY2Gts3P7E

To date nobody has died from a snakebite in Australia when this method of first aid has been applied.

The "pressure-immobilisation" technique is currently recommended by the Australian Resuscitation Council, the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons and the Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists.

The lymphatic system is responsible for systemic spread of most venoms. This can be reduced by the application of a firm bandage (as firm as you would put on a sprained ankle) over a folded pad placed over the bitten area. While firm, it should not be so tight that it stops blood flow to the limb or to congests the veins. Start bandaging directly over the bitten area, ensuing that the pressure over the bite is firm and even. If you have enough bandage you can extend towards more central parts of the body, to delay spread of any venom that has already started to move centrally. A pressure dressing should be applied even if the bite is on the victims trunk or torso.

Immobility is best attained by application of a splint or sling, using a bandage or whatever to hand to absolutely minimise all limb movement, reassurance and immobilisation (eg, putting the patient on a stretcher). Where possible, bring transportation to the patient (rather then vice versa). Don't allow the victim to walk or move a limb. Walking should be prevented.

The pressure-immobilisation approach is simple, safe and will not cause iatrogenic tissue damage (ie, from incision, injection, freezing or arterial torniquets - all of which are ineffective).

Needless to say that shorts and thongs provide no protection. To avoid being envenomated, boots and long pants are ideal.  Most Australian snakes are short-fanged and hit close to the ground, they are unlikely to get through leather boots and even jeans will prevent much of the venom reaching the skin. 

[Ricca]

Thanks for the info Andrew