Each year in the U.S., there are over 8,000 poisonous snakebites -- mostly in the summer season.
In Cooke County, as of June 1, the Gainesville Memorial Hospital emergency department has seen 7 snakebites.
Poisonous snakebites are medical emergencies, and they can be deadly if not treated quickly. Children are at higher risk for death or serious complications because of their smaller body size. However, the right anti-venom can save a victim's life. Getting the victim to an emergency room as quickly as possible is the top priority, as many snakebites, if properly treated, will not have serious effects.
Poisonous snakebites are medical emergencies, and they can be deadly if not treated quickly. Children are at higher risk for death or serious complications because of their smaller body size. However, the right anti-venom can save a victim's life. Getting the victim to an emergency room as quickly as possible is the top priority, as many snakebites, if properly treated, will not have serious effects.
Snakebites can cause severe local tissue damage and often require follow-up care.
Poisonous snakebites include bites by any of the following:
* rattlesnake
* copperhead
* water moccasin (cottonmouth)
* coral snake
* copperhead
* water moccasin (cottonmouth)
* coral snake
The first three species are native to Cooke County.
According to County Extension Agent Wayne Becker, copperheads are the snakes being reported most often to his office.
“Like the rest of us suffering in this heat, they are looking for cool, damp spots,” said Becker. “And they are showing up in a lot of yards.”
All snake species will bite when threatened or surprised, but most will usually avoid an encounter if possible and only bite as a last resort.
Snakes found in and near water are frequently mistaken as being poisonous. Most species of snake are harmless and many bites will not be life threatening, but unless you are absolutely sure that you know the species, experts say treat it seriously.
Snakebite: Symptoms & Signs
* bloody wound discharge
* blurred vision
* burning
* convulsions
* diarrhea
* dizziness
* excessive sweating
* fainting
* fang marks in the skin
* fever
* increased thirst
* localized tissue death
* loss of muscle coordination
* nausea and vomiting
* numbness and tingling
* rapid pulse
* severe localized pain
* skin discoloration
* swelling at the site of the bite
* weakness
* blurred vision
* burning
* convulsions
* diarrhea
* dizziness
* excessive sweating
* fainting
* fang marks in the skin
* fever
* increased thirst
* localized tissue death
* loss of muscle coordination
* nausea and vomiting
* numbness and tingling
* rapid pulse
* severe localized pain
* skin discoloration
* swelling at the site of the bite
* weakness
Snakebite: Prevention
According to County Agent Becker, there is not a lot you can do to prevent snakes from entering your space. Snake deterrents, like powders and sprays, are only marginally effective. You just need to be aware of the situation and take proper precautions, says Becker.
* Even though most snakes are not poisonous, avoid picking up or playing with any snake unless you have been properly trained.
* Many serious snakebites occur when someone deliberately provokes a snake.
* When hiking in an area known to have snakes, wear long pants and boots if possible. If gardening, wear gloves.
* Avoid areas where snakes may be hiding -- under rocks, logs, etc.
* Tap ahead of you with a walking stick before entering an area with an obscured view of your feet. Snakes will attempt to avoid you if given adequate warning. If walking at night, carry a flashlight.
* If you are a frequent hiker, consider purchasing a snakebite kit (available from hiking supply stores). Do not use older snakebite kits, such as those containing razor blades and suction bulbs.
* Many serious snakebites occur when someone deliberately provokes a snake.
* When hiking in an area known to have snakes, wear long pants and boots if possible. If gardening, wear gloves.
* Avoid areas where snakes may be hiding -- under rocks, logs, etc.
* Tap ahead of you with a walking stick before entering an area with an obscured view of your feet. Snakes will attempt to avoid you if given adequate warning. If walking at night, carry a flashlight.
* If you are a frequent hiker, consider purchasing a snakebite kit (available from hiking supply stores). Do not use older snakebite kits, such as those containing razor blades and suction bulbs.
Snakebite: First Aid
1. Keep the person calm, reassuring them that bites can be effectively treated in an emergency room. Restrict movement, and keep the affected area below heart level to reduce the flow of venom.
2. If you have a pump suction device, follow the manufacturer's directions.
3. Remove any rings or constricting items because the affected area may swell. Create a loose splint to help restrict movement of the area.
4. If the area of the bite begins to swell and change color, the snake was probably poisonous.
5. Monitor the person's vital signs -- temperature, pulse, rate of breathing, and blood pressure if possible. If there are signs of shock (such as paleness), lay the victim flat, raise the feet about a foot (unless that is where the bite is located), and cover the victim with a blanket.
6. Get medical help immediately.
7. Bring in the dead snake only if this can be done without risk of further injury. Do not waste time hunting for the snake, and do not risk another bite if it is not easy to kill the snake. Be careful of the head when transporting it -- a dead snake can bite from reflex for up to an hour.
2. If you have a pump suction device, follow the manufacturer's directions.
3. Remove any rings or constricting items because the affected area may swell. Create a loose splint to help restrict movement of the area.
4. If the area of the bite begins to swell and change color, the snake was probably poisonous.
5. Monitor the person's vital signs -- temperature, pulse, rate of breathing, and blood pressure if possible. If there are signs of shock (such as paleness), lay the victim flat, raise the feet about a foot (unless that is where the bite is located), and cover the victim with a blanket.
6. Get medical help immediately.
7. Bring in the dead snake only if this can be done without risk of further injury. Do not waste time hunting for the snake, and do not risk another bite if it is not easy to kill the snake. Be careful of the head when transporting it -- a dead snake can bite from reflex for up to an hour.
* DO NOT allow the victim to become over-exerted. If necessary, carry the victim to safety.
* DO NOT apply a tourniquet.
* DO NOT apply cold compresses to a snakebite.
* DO NOT cut into a snakebite with a knife or razor.
* DO NOT try to suction the venom by mouth.
* DO NOT give the victim stimulants or pain medications unless instructed to do so by a doctor.
* DO NOT give the victim anything by mouth.
* DO NOT raise the site of the bite above the level of the victim's heart.
* DO NOT apply a tourniquet.
* DO NOT apply cold compresses to a snakebite.
* DO NOT cut into a snakebite with a knife or razor.
* DO NOT try to suction the venom by mouth.
* DO NOT give the victim stimulants or pain medications unless instructed to do so by a doctor.
* DO NOT give the victim anything by mouth.
* DO NOT raise the site of the bite above the level of the victim's heart.
Call Immediately for Emergency Medical Assistance
Call for help if someone has been bitten by a snake that you think may be poisonous, especially if the person experiences symptoms. Time is of the essence. If possible, call ahead to the emergency room so that anti-venom can be ready when the victim arrives.
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