Your Health

Don’t Let Snakebite Season Get You Rattled

Posted: 9/21/2011

Forget what you have seen in the movies. Snakebite treatment is best left to expert emergency medical professionals.

(NAPSI)—For many people, warmer weather means it’s time for family outings and outdoor sports. It’s also the beginning of “snakebite season.” Approximately 8,000 cases of venomous snakebite and five to six related deaths occur in the United States each year. Venomous snakebites can have other serious consequences, including loss of a finger or toe, if not treated promptly. Victims of snakebite should react calmly but swiftly and seek medical attention.

Safety Tips

Fortunately, with a little preparation, it’s possible to reduce the risk of snakebite and have a safer and enjoyable time outdoors.

To help, here are some tips:

• First and foremost—leave snakes alone. If you see one, move away and avoid any temptation to try to pick it up or have a closer look. A good rule of thumb is to stay out of a snake’s striking range;

• When walking outdoors, remain on pathways and stay out of tall grass;

• Exercise caution when picking up tree logs or other items on the ground where snakes can hide.

Myths and Realities

Many myths and much misinformation exist about what to do if bitten by a snake, including cutting the skin; sucking the poison; applying a tourniquet, bandage or pressure; and using ice packs, all of which may increase tissue damage. Snakebite treatment is best left to expert emergency medical professionals.

Many emergency medical facilities in bite-prone regions of the country stock antivenom for North American pit vipers, which include rattlesnakes, copperheads and water moccasins. Area residents or people traveling to regions where snakes are common may want to contact the local hospital to inquire if the emergency room keeps a supply of antivenom in stock. Better safe than sorry, especially for anyone who gardens, hikes or spends a lot of time outdoors.

Information about venomous snakebite is also available from the American Association of Poison Control Centers. Dial 1-800-222-1222 from anywhere in the United States to connect with a local poison control center 24/7. The call is free and confidential and answered by medical professionals.

According to Dr. Mark Ryan, director of the Louisiana Poison Center at Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Shreveport, “Venomous snakebites can result in intense pain, swelling, damage to cells or tissue at the injury site and beyond, secondary infection or even death.

“When dealing with poisonous snakebites, patients need to get to a medical facility that is prepared to treat them as quickly as possible for the best outcome.”`

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