Using Sensible First Aid For Snake Bites
Humans generally have an instinctive fear of snakes, and often for a very good reason. While many species of snakes are harmless, and even beneficial, others carry venom that can cause serious injury or death. The venom some snakes possess is actually extremely modified and specialized saliva, and is meant to both subdue and begin digesting prey. Unfortunately, it is also used as a defense and this is where problems are encountered. Some venoms act on the nerves to cause partial or complete paralysis, some are designed to break down red blood cells, and others cause actually tissue destruction. As human beings and snakes often live in the same areas, it is inevitable that interaction will occur. Most snakes, venomous or not, will attempt to retreat when encountering a person, or will give a warning to allow the intruder to depart. Be aware, however, that some poisonous snakes, such as the western rattlesnake and the cottonmouth are aggressive and will often attack without provocation.
North American Venomous Snakes
Although most of the dangerous snakes in North America are confined to the United States, several species of rattlesnakes are found in the southern regions of Canada. Knowing which poisonous snakes live in your region will help with identification in the event you or anyone in your family is bitten.
Coral snakes are actually members of the cobra family, and their venom is a neurotoxin which will cause paralysis of the muscles responsible for breathing. Fortunately, coral snakes are shy and generally non-aggressive, and their short fangs will not penetrate heavy clothing. As antivenin may not be available any longer, those bitten by a coral snake will have to be placed on a respirator until able to breathe on their own again.
Copperhead’s venom is designed to break down tissue, and will cause one of the most painful of snakebites, although a bite from this snake is almost never fatal. Cottonmouths are also a member of the pit viper family, as are rattlesnakes, and the venom these snakes inject is very dangerous and often lethal. The venom that vipers inject will cause the blood to coagulate and form clots, and this will affect the heart as well as the blood itself.
Symptoms Of Poisonous Snake Bites
Unlike most venomous snake bites, the bite of a coral snake is usually painless to begin with. If bitten by a coral snake, get to a hospital immediately. The bite of this snake will cause numbness, breathing difficulty, nausea, vomiting, convulsions, blurry vision, and paralysis, among other symptoms. This snake is often confused with several other harmless snakes, so if unsure of identification, err on the side of caution and go to the emergency room.
The other poisonous snakes in North America, cottonmouths, copperheads, and rattlesnakes are all pit vipers. Their venom acts on the circulatory system and can cause heart failure. These bites are immediately very painful and swelling will occur quickly. Tissue damage is a common effect of these bites, and the victim will also experience bleeding, low blood pressure, weakness, thirst, fatigue, and difficulty in breathing.
What To Do If A Bite Occurs
Previously, it was considered wise to slice open a venomous snake bite with a knife or razor blade and try to extract the poison. However, it has been found that this procedure often leads to an infection at the site and it is uncertain whether it helps at all. Likewise, sucking at the wound with the mouth to try to pull out the venom is likewise not advisable, especially if the person helping has cuts in their mouth or cavities in their teeth(this will introduce the venom into their bloodstream). A snakebite kit can probably be used without causing any harm, but getting the victim to the emergency room is paramount.
After the bite, keep the affected area lower than the heart. Wash the bite off with soap and water. Do not allow the person to move around much, this will only facilitate the spread of the venom. Loosen clothing on the part where the bite is located and remove any jewelry – swelling is going to occur and it will soon be difficult or impossible to get rings, bracelets, or watches off.
Do not use ice packs or hot compresses on the bite, these will only make the situation even worse, and do not give the person anything to eat or drink, regardless of how thirsty they may be. While it can be helpful to bring the offending serpent along, do not waste precious time trying to find it. If the snake is dead, remember that the head can still bite for an hour after death.
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