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the victim to drink the concoction, who then throws up the fangs and venom. I asked whether it helps and his response was that some folks survive and others die.
The ‘do not’ list when it comes to first aid in snakebites is quite extensive. Do not cut the wound and suck – it just doesn’t work. Nor does a tourniquet. Snake venom is absorbed through the lymphatic fluid, not through veins and arteries, and a tourniquet has no effect on the lymphatics. In bites from adders and spitting cobras, where the victim usually experiences severe pain, swelling and tissue damage, a tourniquet may cause serious damage to the limb. Even antivenom is no first aid measure and should never be administered other than by a doctor in a hospital environment. Some people are allergic to antivenom and could go into anaphylactic shock – a very serious medical condition.
Dogs are often bitten by snakes but a surprisingly large number survive. Most snakes have full control over their venom glands and do not always inject a sufficient amount of venom to kill a dog. Cats are far too wise and quick and seldom get bitten. Farm animals, especially cows and horses, are usually bitten in the face and suffer bad wounds. Again
there are no instant remedies and cutting the tip of your dog’s ear off or forcing petrol down your sheep’s throat is not going to help at all. Any animal that is bitten by a snake must be transported to a vet – the quicker the better – for a proper assessment and antivenom therapy if required.
Most snakebites, even from potentially deadly snakes, are not serious and so-called ‘dry’ bites are common. In one study of close on 2 000 snakebites over a five year period where victims were hospitalised, more than 80% of the victims did not need antivenom. And those that did receive antivenom responded well and only three victims died. Snakebite is not nearly as bad a threat as we often think – there is a far better chance that you could be killed by your spouse!
We have 171 different types of snakes in Southern Africa and identification is not easy. There is also colour variation between adults and juveniles that change with age. Get to know the snakes in your area as you will usually encounter less than half-a-dozen different types of snakes on a regular basis. And remember – the most important thing to do in any snakebite emergency is to get the victim to a hospital with a trauma unit – promptly and safely.
The Puff Adder accounts for many bites but few fatalities.
Snakes & Snakebite in Southern Africa by Johan Marais: An essential guide to identifying all dangerous snakes and common harmless snakes in southern Africa, as well
as quick and important practical advice on first aid measures. R166 (paperback), published by Random House Struik.
Win an English or Afrikaans copy. Send your contact details to info@lowveldlivingmagazine.co. and put ‘Snake’ in the subject box. Closing date is March 31, 2015.
Ts & Cs apply.
The Mozambique Spitting Cobra accounts for the majority of serious snakebites in South Africa.
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