Lots of misconceptions about snakes on the hub. Snakey doesn't want to bite you, even black mamba, rather step back 5 steps and let the snake go on their way, the strongest spitter is the Mfezi ( Moz Spitting Cobra), and he can only spit 3m so you are safe from him too. Worst snakes to be bitten by are Cape Cobra and Mamba, you have a few hours to get to a hospital with a trauma unit, because you may stop breathing. Most snake bites in SA are from Mfezi and Puffy. Both are cytotoxic, so best to get antivenom ASAP. Snakes don't hibernate in SA, it's too warm, they do go dormant, but are still active. Most snake bites are at night, so use a torch. There are 2 types of anti-venom used in SA today, one for Boomslang, and a polyvalen anti-venom for Puffy, Gaboon Adder, Black and Green Mambas, Rinkhals and all the dangerous cobra's in Southern Africa. Snakebite kits contain 2 100ml Vials of polyvalent anti-venom. The kit must be refrigerated at 2-10deg, and has a 3 year shelf life. Pressure bandages can be used, but must not be used when cytotoxic venom is involved, and must have a specific pressure to slow down the spread of venom through the lymphatic system, 50-70mmHg for a leg and 40-70mmHg for an arm. You can buy the smart pressure bandages from https://www.africansnakebiteinstitute.com/shop/first-aid/asi-hikers-first-aid-kit-for-snakebite/, the bandage has a rectangular block on them which will be square when the right pressure is applied. In the event of snakebite; – DO NOT try to cut or suck out the venom Snake venom very quickly attaches to the local tissue and is absorbed into the lymphatic system and very little venom can be removed by suction. Cutting may expose the wound to secondary infection. – DO NOT apply any electric shock therapy Electric shocks do not neutralise snake venom. – DO NOT apply a tourniquet Arterial or venous tourniquets are not advised in most bites as venom is initially transported largely through the lymphatic system and not through veins. There is no evidence that a tourniquet could be life-saving following a snakebite. – DO NOT apply ice or warm water, lotion or potions Leave the bite site alone, except for cleaning it with cool water and applying a sterile gauze dressing. Warm water does not denature snake venom. Do not give the victim alcohol. – DO NOT inject antivenom as a first aid measure If required, antivenom must be injected intravenously by a medical doctor in a hospital environment and usually in large quantities. Anaphylactic shock can be a serious side-effect which may be fatal if not treated promptly. First aid measures for snakebite – Get the victim to a hospital as soon as possible and in a safe manner Keep the numbers of the closest hospital (with a trauma unit) and ambulance service on your cell phone and call ahead to notify them of the victim’s situation. The navigational App Waze is very handy – type in ‘hospital’ or ‘doctor’ and the closest facilities will be listed immediately with details. – Keep the victim calm and as still as possible Muscle contractions speed up the movement of venom in the lymphatic system. Immobilise the victim, lay the victim down if possible and transport (or arrange transport) to the closest hospital. Elevate the affected limb slightly above heart level. – Remove rings and tight clothing If bitten on the hand, arm, foot, or lower leg, remove rings, bangles, bracelets, watches, anklets and any other tight jewellery, as well as tight clothing and shoes. – Apply pressure bandages If you are more than an hour or two from the closest medical facility, consider applying pressure bandages to the affected limb, but only in suspected Mamba or Cape Cobra bites. Please see section on Smart Bandages. IMPORTANT Do not waste valuable time applying a pressure bandage – immediately transport the patient to the nearest hospital with a trauma unit and, if possible, apply the pressure bandage whilst travelling. If you have been spat at What to do – Venom in the eyes is very painful and must be flushed or diluted as quickly as possible. – Flush the eyes with a weak (normal) saline solution, or place the victim’s head under a slowly running tap with the eyes forced open. – Keep flushing for at least 15-20 minutes and then transport the victim to a medical doctor, who will do a slit lamp examination and prescribe anesthetic and antibiotic eye drops. – If no saline or water is available, other bland liquids like milk, beer, cold drink or even urine can be used. Water works best. – If treated quickly, the chance of permanent damage to the eyes is extremely remote. And lastly get the ASI app on your phone, you can take a pic of the snake and they will ID it soon. https://www.africansnakebiteinstitute.com/app/ Edit, and don't kill the poor snake, take a pic of it, it bit you because you were in it's space.
