Know enough about snakebites to manage an emergency situation
There are three main types of snake venom, affecting different areas and determining the antivenom required. Polyvalent antivenom is effective for the treatment of neurotoxins and cytotoxins. The monovalent variant is used for boomslang bites. The venom types are:
Cytotoxic: This affects the tissue with pain and swelling almost immediately after the bite, worsening with time. It’s often described as feeling like ‘cold fire’, with shock developing later. It can be fatal but rarely is. Snakes with cytotoxic venom include the puff adder and the Mozambique spitting cobra.
Neurotoxic: Neurotoxic venom disrupts nerve function, leading to paralysis, muscle weakness and potentially respiratory failure, and can also cause other neurological complications. Snakes with neurotoxic venom include mambas and some cobras (excluding spitting cobras).
Haemotoxic: This type of venom works slowly, with effects seen after an hour but sometimes taking a few days to manifest. The venom causes irregularities in the victim’s blood, preventing it from clotting. Symptoms can include bruises, blood in the urine and vomiting blood. Anaemia and shock may develop, and eventually, kidney failure may set in. Snakes with haemotoxic venom include the boomslang and the vine snake.
Avoid contact
A sensible list of guidelines, drawing on information shared by Snake Bite Assist, the African Snakebite Institute and Flipper Layman: Snakebite Flipper Card, is worth following when encountering snakes.
If a snake is sighted, don’t attempt to catch, handle or kill it, as this is when bites occur. Juvenile venomous snakes are as dangerous as adults. If a snake appears dead, don’t attempt to move it. They have a habit of playing dead when threatened but will strike if approached.
When walking, step onto logs and rocks, rather than over them. Snakes often hide partially under these for sunning. Wear protective gear when hiking or working outdoors and never walk barefoot at night. If walking at night, use a torch to illuminate the path.
Keep your garden clear of rubble and overgrown vegetation, and avoid leaving pet food outdoors, which attracts rodents. Water features also attract frogs, and many snake species eat frogs.
Take instant action
If bitten by a snake, it is vital to act swiftly and calmly, as every second counts.
Take a photo of the snake from a safe distance (if possible) to assist in identification. Draw a circle around the snakebite and write the time of the bite on the skin. Document the progression of swelling from the first circle to the rest of the body. Get the victim to the nearest hospital with a trauma unit immediately. Keep the victim as calm and still as possible to slow the spread of venom. Remove rings, watches and tight clothing near the bite site.
Do not cut or suck the bite wound. Don’t apply ice, boiling water, lotions or potions. Don’t apply a tourniquet, as venom travels through the lymphatic system, not the veins. Don’t use any form of electric shock. Don’t inject antivenom outside of a hospital. Don’t use EpiPens. The only treatment for serious snakebite envenomation is antivenom administered in a hospital setting under strict medical supervision.
Text | Susan Badat
Photography | Ali Cobanoglu, Vin Centius
Susan Badat is manager at Crocworld Conservation Centre.
For more information about Crocworld, go to crocworld.co.za
