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Therefore, snakebites can present as one puncture wound, two, three or
even four. The pit viper can strike about 50% of its body length, and has
been recorded to strike at about seven feet per second. The
forked tongue is equivalent to our nose. The snake senses
chemicals in the air with their tongue, aiding in the location
of prey.
Their
pupils are elliptical, and all pit vipers in the United States
have elliptical pupils, as opposed to non-venomous snakes which
have round pupils.
The age of a rattlesnake cannot be determined by the number of
rattles. Rattles frequently break off, and therefore is an
unreliable method to determine age.
Rattle Snake This snake is
best noted for its distinct alternating black and white rings on
its tail, just above the rattle. A light stripe behind the eye
reaches the lip in the front corner of the mouth. The diamond
shaped pattern is not clear cut and distinct. The snake may
appear speckled. The diamondback is responsible for most of the
poisonous snake bites. It is a large aggressive pit viper that
can exceed 6 feet in length.
Water Moccasins A
large heavy, semi-aquatic snake being one of the deadliest in
North America. The head of the cottonmouth is a large, flat and
triangular in shape. There are great variations in the coloring
of this snake. It is usually dark brown with 10 to 15
irregularly edged cross bands. Some specimens have well defined
cross bands while others show no regular patterns. Other color
variations are from black to olive green. The underside of the
snake is lighter on the top. Juvenile forms are vividly marked
with dark brown bands edged in white with a gray background or
body. The inside of its mouth is snow white, thus its name is
derived.
Coral Snake Bite
Coral snake venom is different than pit viper venom. It is thought that adult coral snakes carry enough
venom to kill 4-5 adults. The coral snake venom is primarily a
neurotoxin. Fang marks are rarely seen. Swelling is rare.
Symptoms may not occur until 10-14 hours later. Symptoms may
begin as nausea, vomiting and sweating. Neurological symptoms
may include lethargy, difficulty speaking, hard to swallow,
drooping eyelids, and in severe cases, respiratory depression or
arrest.
Snakebite Treatment for Pit Vipers
General support reassurance; keep the victim calm; move the
individual away from the snake, if possible; do not try to kill
the snake—two people being bitten is worse and you cannot aid
the first victim ( amputated snake heads can still bite as
a reflex).
Minimize all activity.
All jewelry, rings, bracelets and watches should be removed
immediately.
Do not incise the wound as this causes more tissue damage.
Do not use electrical shock at the bite site as that has been
shown not to work.
Sawyer extractor kits are controversial. Studies on pigs have
shown little to no effect, while others recommend to only use
the suction device if you can reach the victim in the first 3
minutes.
Do not suction with your mouth as the bacterial in your mouth
will most likely cause more harm.
Apply cool compresses, not ice.
The Australian wrap method has proven benefit. Please see
diagram. Do not wrap too tightly, but similar to wrapping a
sprain. Splint is very important. Immobilize the extremity,
maintain the extremity at heart level, do not elevate above heart level.
Do not use Anti-venom in the outdoors. Many have anaphylactic
type reactions from the anti-venom.
Transport, transport, transport.
Call ahead if possible to the ER. Many emergency rooms do not
stock anti-venom and they may need to fly anti-venom in.
Anti-venom is very, very expensive. When traveling into the outdoors for an
extended period of time, check into search and rescue insurance. Many times anti-venom is covered. It is as
cheap as $12-20 for a weekend, and is well worth it if something
unfortunate should occur.
Preventing snake bites:
Some bites, such as those inflicted when you accidentally step on a snake
in the woods, are nearly impossible to prevent. However, there are
precautions that can reduce your chances of being bitten by a snake.
Leave snakes alone. Many people are bitten because they try to
kill a snake or get too close to it.
Stay out of tall grass unless you wear thick leather boots and
remain on hiking paths as much as possible.
Keep hands and feet out of areas you cannot see. Do not pick up
rocks or firewood unless you are out of a snake's striking
distance.
Be cautious and alert when climbing rocks.
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Copper Head Snake
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