When nature bites III

[Fuscus]

Have I read this right - does it say don't bother with first aid?

http://www.thedailytimes.com/sited/story/html/205731

 

[Guest]

If bitten, try to identify the snake and above all, stay calm. One characteristic of most poisonous snakes is that the head (especially on rattlers and copperheads) is triangular and larger than the neck. Don't subject the victim to ice packs or tourniquets, and don't cut the fang holes to suck out the poison. Go calmly for medical aid.

From the article fuscy ol' boy.

 

[Fuscus]

Shermy, my impression is that it says don't do anything except go to medical aid. While the medical aid bit meets with my approval surely a pressure bandage isn't a bad idea ( or doesn't that work on american snake bites ? )

 

[Sdaji]

Shermy, my impression is that it says don't do anything except go to medical aid. While the medical aid bit meets with my approval surely a pressure bandage isn't a bad idea ( or doesn't that work on american snake bites ? )

This has been heavily discussed and debated for years among many toxicologists. Compression bandages are often discouraged outside of Australia as they often increase your chances of losing a limb etc, due to the cytotoxic venoms. Austrlian snakes have rather unique venom.

 

[Hickson]

I've been trying to find an answer to that question for years, but nobody seems prepared to commit themselves to an answer. Most individuals are of the view "I'll worry when I get bitten" or "I'm not gonna get bitten".

It surprises me that it is not common knowledge in the herp community (or medical community) like it is here.



Hix

 

[Sdaji]

Pretty much everyone I've spoken to about it has an opinion which they've been happy to state. The official advice seems to be not to apply a bandage, which is what most institutions follow for legal reasons. Most individuals on the other hand seem to be of the opinion that it's better to risk losing a limb if it gives you a better chance of survival rather than the other way around. Of course, with the venoms which are primarily tissue destroying rather than temporary nervous system disruptors you really wouldn't want to get a dose to begin with. As a general rule, ours may be deadlier, but as long as you don't die, ours are much better to be bitten by. The "I'm not gonna get bitten" attitude is understandable overseas, I'm not keen on taking risks with Australian elapids, but wouldn't take any at all with vipers etc (yes, I say that now but probably would )

 

[Greebo]

Compression bandages are often discouraged outside of Australia as they often increase your chances of losing a limb etc, due to the cytotoxic venoms

I'd rather risk losing one of my limbs than losing my life.

 

[Fuscus]

thanks for that Sdaji.