REPTILE PARK "SERPO" Delft -NL-

1. Avoid panic. The patient must remain calm so that the venom does not circulate through the bloodstream too quickly. Some people become hysterical in the mistaken assumption that they are about to die. Remember that 97 percent of all victims survive the bite.
2. The entire bitten limb should be wrapped in an elastic bandage as soon as possible to inhibit the spread of the venom. The kind of bandage used for sprains is ideal. It must by applied rather tightly, towards to the heart. It may remain in place for up to 48 hours during which medical help must be sought as quickly as possible. Neurotoxic venom spreads rapidly; so, it is not even advisable to take the time to remove clo- thing before putting on the bandage. This treatment is useless if it is not applied within 30 minutes following the bite.
3. It is very important to know what kind of snake the victim was bitten by. If possible shoot a picture of the snake.
4. Seek professional medical attention as soon as possible.
5. Using ice packs to cool down the bite area tends to speed up necro- sis, so this is not an advisable procedure.
6. The bitten limb should be moved as little as possible. Use a sling or a splint.
7. Postpone the use of serum for as long as possible. The specific envenomation symptoms should be dealt with first before resorting to the use of antivenin. Because of the numerous possible side effects, the use of serum always incorporates a certain amount of risk. Sudden heart failure due to anaphilactic shock is among the possibilities. It may only be necessary to use serum if serious envenomation symptoms become apparent within minutes after the bite. This measure should never be self- administered, but should always be preformed by a professional physician.
8. Beverages which stimulate blood circulation should always be strictly avoided. Extreme pain and external swelling may lead to panic. Pain should be dealt with adequately in order to prevent shock. Since the pain is a result of the release of stored histamines from the affected tissues, it may be countered by the use of antihistamines. Aspirin should be avoided as it will worsen bleeding. Paracetamol may be used as an alternative. A broad spectrum antibiotic is often advisable for the prevention of secondary infections. It may take quite a while before a bite becomes fatal. Usually, death will not occur within the first 48 hours, and may even take as long as two weeks as in the case of Russell's viper envenomation. If there is even the slightest doubt whether or not a snakebite should be taken seriously, the victim should be placed under hospital observation as soon as possible. An interesting alternative treatment for snakebite is electroshock therapy. In this new method, shocks consisting of an extremely high voltage of up to 20,000 volts and a very weak current are administered around the bitten area. The ignition systems of cars, motorcycles and outboard motors have been used as sources of such voltages. By pressing a sparkplug against the bitten arm or leg, a large number of shocks are delivered which reportedly have a neutralizing effect on the venom. It would seem advisable though, at least to ground the bitten limb suffi- ciently in order to prevent the current from travelling through the heart.