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snake bite what to do What to do when bitten by a venomous snake. Who is more at risk of being bitten

Snake venom poisoning is studied in such a branch of medicine as clinical toxicology, and not only physicians, but also those who work in the agricultural industry, often go outdoors or travel should have information about the rules for conducting emergency measures and methods for preventing their bites. Every year, about 2 million people suffer from snake bites, of which about 110-120 thousand people die. In Europe, these are isolated cases, in the USA - about 15 people, and in countries such as India, Brazil and Burma - the highest rate in the world.

On the territory of Russia, the Republic of Belarus and Ukraine, there are about 11 species of poisonous snakes that are dangerous to humans. The most common families are: already-shaped, aspid, viper and pit-headed. Many snakes are not at all dangerous to people, they are not aggressive and attack only with a deliberately aggressive attitude of a person. Their venom is secreted from the tooth, which is located deep in the mouth and affects only the victim in the mouth of the reptile. The situation is different with vipers and other types of poisonous snakes: they are always aggressive towards any human intrusion into their habitat.

To provoke an attack on their part, the mere presence of a person or animal is enough. That is why in their habitats one should behave extremely cautiously and immediately bypass the seen reptile. There are also cases when the moment of a snake bite goes unnoticed until the first signs of poisoning appear or signs of skin bite are detected.

The aspid family is represented on the territory of Russia by only one species - the Central Asian cobra, the viper family - by various types of vipers, efs and gyurza, and the pit-head family - by the common and eastern muzzle. The greatest probability of meeting with gyurza, muzzle, sand efa and some varieties of vipers (Caucasian, Radde, nosed) is observed in the territory of Transcaucasia and in Central Asia, and a meeting with the Central Asian cobra can occur in Turkmenistan, Tajikistan and southern Uzbekistan. In addition to land poisonous snakes, marine varieties of these reptiles dangerous to humans are also found. You can meet them in the coastal waters of tropical seas.

Snake venom is a complex substance that consists of a set of proteins and biologically active components that have an indirect or direct toxic effect on human systems and organs. Usually a snake attacks a person or animal only in self-defense, and about 70% of bites occur on the legs. The aggressiveness of snakes increases during the mating season or molting, but the fact of a snake bite does not always cause poisoning of the body. For example, when bitten by a viper, a snake does not release poison in 25% of cases, and coral snakes and cobras - in about 50%.

The most severe poisoning with snake venom occurs with alcohol intoxication, high temperature air, in children, women, people with concomitant diseases, people with a small body weight and when poison is injected into the neck, head or large blood vessel. And the most dangerous are the bites of large snakes. The most dangerous for humans is the bite of the black mamba, which lives in the central, eastern and southern parts. African continent. This snake during the attack is capable of speeds up to 20 km per hour and death after its bite is observed in 95-100% of cases.

In this article, we will introduce you to the symptoms of poisoning and bites from some venomous snakes, how to prevent them, and how to provide first aid and treatment.

Symptoms of snake bites and snake venom poisoning

The severity and nature of the symptoms of a snakebite can be characterized by some common features, since snake venoms also contain the same components that have similar effects on the human body. These toxins include the following:

neurotoxin - affects and causes disorders in the functioning of the nervous system;
cholinesterase - an enzyme that disrupts the transmission of nerve impulses from nerves to muscles;
cardiotoxin - affects and causes disorders in functioning;
hemolysin - provokes the destruction of blood cells and red blood cells.

Symptoms that appear in the victim after a snake bite can be divided into:

common - appear when bitten by any poisonous snake and are expressed with varying degrees of intensity;
specific - characteristic of poisoning with a certain type of snake venom.

General symptoms

Common symptoms of bites and poisoning by snake venom include:

local signs. On the skin, one or two wounds that have a triangular shape are determined. They measure about 2-3 mm and are located on the same level. In the bite area, such signs of inflammation are determined: redness, swelling, and sensations of burning and pain. Bloody discharges stand out from the wounds, and hemorrhages or bluish spots may appear on the area surrounding the bite.
General reactions. The victim's temperature rises (to high numbers), muscle pains, vomiting and loose stools with blood impurities appear. Gradually, renal and hepatic insufficiency increases.
Neurological disorders. The victim has a feeling of muscle weakness, clouding of consciousness, numbness (especially in the bite area), decreased visual acuity, double vision, inability to focus, facial muscle distortion, drooping of the eyelids and impaired swallowing.
Cardiovascular disorders. The victim's pulse quickens, blood pressure decreases or rises (sometimes to critical numbers), breathing quickens and pains appear in the region of the heart and in the chest.

The severity of symptoms of snake venom poisoning depends on many factors:

The behavior of the victim after the bite. Running, moving fast, walking, or panicking will speed up the spread of the poison throughout the body.
Type of snake, its size and age. The most dangerous are the bites of rattlesnakes, asp and cobras, less are the bites of snakes of the viper family, but they can also cause serious deviations and death (in 1% of cases). Poisoning by the venom of young or small snakes is less dangerous. In addition, the degree of fright of the snake before the attack can also affect the toxicity of the poison: the more frightened and aggressive the snake is, the more toxic its poison becomes.
Bite localization. More quickly, the symptoms of poisoning develop when a bite is applied to the head, neck, torso and large blood vessels. If the lower extremities are affected, symptoms develop more slowly.
The age and general health of the victim. More susceptible to snake venom toxins are children, the elderly, women, and those suffering from serious illnesses or who are intoxicated. In such cases, death can occur at lightning speed.
The presence of pathogenic bacteria on the snake's teeth. Infection of the wound can cause the development of severe purulent complications, necrotic processes and sepsis.
High air temperature. The hot climate promotes faster blood flow through the vessels and the spread of poison.

All these factors contribute to the growth and progression common symptoms poisoning with snake venom. Depending on their combination and severity, the signs of poisoning can be aggravated with layering on top of each other or cause a lightning reaction and the rapid onset of death of the victim with lightning speed.

Viper bite symptoms

The composition of viper venom includes enzymes toxic to the human body such as:

phospholipase;
hyaluronidase.

Viper venom destroys the walls of capillaries and blood vessels, red blood cells, forms blood clots and causes circulatory disorders. Under its influence, the water-mineral balance is disturbed, the activity of cardio-vascular system and liver.

A victim of a viper bite has the following symptoms:

1 or 2 wounds from biting the skin with teeth, relatively mild pain, swelling that appears after 10-30 minutes, redness, burning, areas of hemorrhage, purple-bluish spots and areas of skin necrosis at the site of the bite;
dizziness and headache;
tachycardia;
decrease in body temperature and fever as the symptoms of poisoning increase;
pallor;
weakness;
drowsiness;
confusion or fainting;
nausea;
sweating;
dyspnea;
development .

Symptoms of the bite of the Central Asian cobra and other snakes of the aspid family

The composition of the poison of the Central Asian cobra includes:

neurotoxin;
cardiotoxin;
hyaluronidase;
phospholipase;
cholinesterase.

A victim of a bite from a Central Asian cobra and other snakes from the aspid family has the following symptoms:

intense burning pain in the area of the bite of the skin (decreases within a few hours);
at the site of the bite, the skin color does not change, skin become swollen, bloody fluid is released from the wounds;
when a limb is damaged, its paralysis develops, which spreads upward, capturing the muscles of the trunk and face;
violation of the movement of the eyeballs;
swallowing disorder;
hiccups
difficulty breathing;
prolapse of the eyelids and lower jaw;
salivation;
speech disorder;
involuntary urination and defecation;
rapid development of signs of intoxication: severe weakness, nausea, vomiting;
expressed anxiety;
disturbance of consciousness;
weakening of the heart.

Death can occur 2-7 hours after the bite.

Rattlesnake and pit viper bite symptoms

The venom of pit vipers and rattlesnakes contains:

hemocoagulants, hemorrhagins and hemolysins - cause the destruction of red blood cells, contribute to vascular thrombosis and increase their permeability, subsequently their action leads to a decrease in blood clotting and the development of DIC-like syndrome;
cytotoxins - lead to damage to the kidneys, heart, liver and cause tissue necrosis in the bite area.

After being bitten by pit vipers (aquatic muzzle, copperhead muzzle) and rattlesnakes, teeth marks and scratches appear on the skin. The victim develops severe pain and severe burning at the site of the bite. The temperature of the skin at the bite site rises. Edema at the bite site appears after 30-60 minutes and progresses rapidly, spreading to the surrounding tissues, and after 6-8 hours, bullae (blisters) with serous and bloody contents and multiple bruises appear on the skin, which merge and can form necrotic wounds. In most cases, tissue necrosis develops with rattlesnake bites. And the peak of manifestation of the action of the poison is observed during the first 2-4 days.

The victim develops intoxication and hectic fever:

the temperature rises to high numbers;
chills appear;
sweating;
intoxication develops;
nausea and vomiting appear;
there is a risk of spontaneous bleeding from the stomach or intestines;
possible decrease in blood pressure and the development of shock;
the appearance of a rubbery, metallic or minty taste in the mouth (with rattlesnake bites).

When poisoned by rattlesnake venoms, the victims develop changes in blood clotting: an increase in INR, a decrease in the number of platelets, hypofibrinemia. Blood coagulation disorders can lead to the development of DIC-like syndrome, manifested by hemorrhages on the skin, spontaneous bleeding, blood in the stool and urine.

In case of poisoning by the venoms of the rhombic rattlesnake and the Mojave rattlesnake, serious neurological disorders and signs of difficulty in breathing may occur.

When poisoned by the poisons of most North American snakes, the victims show signs of impaired neuromuscular conduction:

muscle weakness;
muscle twitching;
paresthesia.

In some cases, the victims have a change in mental status.

Symptoms of bites of coral snakes

Coral snakes are common in South and North America. The bites of these snakes pose a real threat to life, and every year about 7-8 people die from poisoning with their poison. Without timely assistance, a person can die 20-24 hours after the bite from respiratory arrest and heart disorders provoked by the action of neurotoxins and hemolysin.

With the bites of these snakes, in most cases, pain and swelling of the skin is minimal, transient or completely absent, and such symptoms are often mistaken for a dry bite. This fact can be misleading for both the victim and the doctors.

A few hours later, the victim develops weakness of the bitten limb, and after 12 hours, neuromuscular disorders begin to appear. These include the following symptoms:

muscle weakness;
an increase in axillary lymph nodes;
cold sweat;
headache;
fear of light;
pain and itching in the ears;
sensations of roaring and crackling in the ears against the background of sudden nocturnal deafness;
clicking in the ears during swallowing;
black earwax;
coldness of the lower extremities;
rash on the feet;
cold sensations in the bones;
stitching pains under the nails;
drowsiness;
changes in consciousness;
decreased visual acuity;
fear of rain;
euphoria or depression and fear;
fear of loneliness;
muscle weakness;
paralysis of cranial nerves: ptosis, swallowing disorders, salivation, drooping of the upper eyelids, blurred vision, double vision, impaired speech, swallowing and breathing;
stomach ache;
pain when swallowing and a feeling of constriction in the throat;
signs;
bad breath;
nasal congestion;
with sensations of pain in the nasal cavity;
purulent and fetid discharge from the nose and the formation of yellow-green crusts (ozena) in the nasal cavity;
diarrhea from cold water or debilitating diarrhea in debilitated patients;
the appearance of ulcers and erosions in the intestines and stomach
rash on the lips;
fainting when trying to tilt the body forward.

Such manifestations of coral snake poisoning continue for 3-6 days. In the absence of timely medical care and artificial ventilation of the lungs, the victim may die from respiratory failure and respiratory arrest.

What not to do with snake bites?

Apply a tourniquet. The imposition of a tourniquet contributes to a sharp violation of blood circulation in the limb and contributes to a more severe tissue damage.
Burn the bite.
Take alcohol.
Make incisions in places of swelling or bite for the outflow of "poisoned blood".
Treat the bite site with adrenaline or local anesthetics.
Apply heat.
Apply ice to the affected leg or arm for a long time. Cold exposure to the bite area should be local.

First aid tactics for a snake bite

The timeliness of first aid for a snake bite largely determines the further prognosis.

First aid for a snake bite is as follows:

Lay the victim in a horizontal position and calm. When fixing the snake to the skin, it is immediately removed. If possible, the snake is identified or killed for further examination by a specialist.
Call an ambulance (if possible).
If it is impossible to identify the snake, the victim is observed. The absence of pain, burning and swelling in the area of the bite may indicate that the snake is not poisonous.
Remove clothing and jewelry from the affected area, which can contribute to circulatory disorders and aggravate swelling.

If it is known for sure that the bitten snake is poisonous, then first aid measures begin to be carried out immediately.

Urgent care

Immobilize the affected limb (immobilize) with an impromptu bandage or splint.
The suction of the poison should be carried out in the first 5-10 minutes after the bite, because at a later date it is no longer so effective. The timely implementation of this emergency measure helps to remove about 50% of the poison from the body. If possible, it is better to use suction or a rubber bulb for this procedure, and in their absence, suction is performed by mouth. To perform suction, grab the skin at the puncture site into a fold and slightly stretch it (so the puncture sites from the teeth will open better). Grasp the surrounding skin areas with your teeth and suck out the poison while pressing down on the skin. Saliva with poison should be spit out immediately. The same actions should be performed for 20 minutes.
Disinfect the wound with hydrogen peroxide, chlorhexidine, a weak solution of potassium permanganate or brilliant green. To treat the wound, it is better not to use alcohol or alcohol solutions.
Apply a loose bandage of a clean cloth or bandage to the wound and a moderately compressive bandage on the entire limb (the finger should freely penetrate under the surface of the bandage and not cause discomfort to the victim).
Apply ice to the bite site. When using ice, it should be removed every 5-7 minutes (to prevent tissue frostbite).
To reduce the symptoms of intoxication, the victim should drink as much as possible (up to 3-5 liters of drinking or alkaline mineral water per day), take vitamin K and C. Alkalinization of water can be done by preparing a soda solution: 1-2 teaspoons of soda per 1 liter of water. If possible, a dropper with 5% glucose solution (400 ml) should be placed. To lower blood pressure, you can use an intravenous infusion of 400 ml of Reopoliglyukin.
Give the patient to take antihistamines (Diphenhydramine, Loratadine, Tavegil, Levocetirizine) or inject intramuscularly (1 ml of 1% solution of Diphenhydramine, Pipolfen or Suprastin).
Give the patient to take glucocorticoid drugs (Dexamethasone - 2-4 mg / day, Prednisolone - 5 mg / day) or administer them intramuscularly (Prednisolone - 30-60 mg, Dexamethasone - 80 mg).
After being bitten by a cobra, the victim may have difficulty breathing. To stabilize it, a cotton swab moistened with ammonia should be brought to the patient's nose.
With signs of respiratory and heart failure, the patient is administered Cordiamin, Ephedrine and Caffeine.
When breathing and cardiac activity stop, artificial respiration and chest compressions are performed.

Antidotes

In case of poisoning with snake venom, the introduction of antidotes - anti-snake sera is indicated. Their introduction is most effective in the first hours or days after the bite. Subsequently, if necessary, the introduction of sera can be repeated.

Serum "Antigyurza"

After a snake bite from the viper family or gyurza, it is necessary to administer anti-snake serum "Antigyurza" (available in ampoules of 500 IU 2-5 m). The introduction of this antidote is most effective in the first hours after the bite.

It is important to administer the serum in the first few hours after a snakebite.

To prevent development, serum is injected subcutaneously (into the subscapular region) according to a certain scheme (Bezredko's method):

first enter 0.1 ml;
after 10-15 minutes another 0.25 ml is injected;
in the absence of signs of an anaphylactic reaction, the remaining dose of serum is administered.

At mild degree poisoning shows the introduction of 500-1000 IU, with an average - 1500-2000 IU, with severe - 2500-3000 IU.

Serum "Anticobra"

The introduction of Anticobra serum is indicated for bites of Central Asian cobras and snakes of the aspid family. Serum is administered at a dose of 300 ml in combination with intravenous administration of 0.05% Prozerin solution 0.5 mg and 1% Atropine sulfate solution every half hour.

Treatment for poisoning with snake venoms

Treatment of poisoning with snake venom should be comprehensive and include symptomatic, detoxification and specific therapy. If necessary, resuscitation and artificial ventilation of the lungs are carried out.

The tactics of treatment is determined by the complexity of the clinical case and consists in the following activities:

To reduce the allergic reaction, the patient is shown taking desensitizing drugs and corticosteroid hormones. The duration of their administration and dosage depend on the severity of the patient's condition.
Detoxification therapy consists in the infusion of sodium chloride solutions, Refortan, glucose, Ringer, fresh frozen plasma and forced diuresis with diuretics (Trifas, Furosemide).
To eliminate the neurotoxic effects of the poison, anticholinesterase agents are used - Prozerin, Galantamine.
To prevent secondary infection and purulent complications, broad-spectrum antibiotics are used (Ceftim, Levofloxacin, Cefataxime, etc.).
For the prevention of hepatic and renal insufficiency, the patient is prescribed the introduction of Eufillin and the use of hepatoprotectors (Gepadif, Essentiale, Berlition, etc.).
In severe poisoning (especially children), hemosorption is also indicated.

During treatment, monitoring of basic vital parameters and indicators of the general blood test, its biochemical parameters and general urinalysis is always carried out.

Prevention of snake bites

There is no specific way to prevent venomous snake bites.

To prevent snake bites, the following rules of conduct should be observed:

When you see a snake, you should not perform actions that provoke a snake to attack: shout, tease, or make sudden movements.
When entering a potential risk area, be sure to wear boots or high boots and thick clothing.
If you are walking on tall grass, then use a stick with which you can make sure that there is no snake.
When walking in the habitats of snakes, look under your feet.
When staying in places that are far from cities and medical institutions, carry drugs with antidotes.
For long stays in nature in tents or sleeping bags, carefully choose a suitable place to sleep. It should be on a hill with low vegetation, away from mountains and rocks.
Be sure to check tents and sleeping bags for snakes whenever you need to use them.

Which doctor should I contact?

When bitten by a snake, you should call an ambulance or immediately deliver the patient, providing him with maximum physical rest, to the emergency department of any medical institution (it is desirable that it has an intensive care unit). Subsequently, the patient may need to consult doctors of such specialties: toxicologist, cardiologist, neuropathologist, nephrologist, surgeon, gastroenterologist, hepatologist, etc.

Poisoning with snake venom is considered not so rare. Quite often, snake bites happen in nature - for example, on a hike or in the field, so absolutely everyone should know the basics of clinical toxicology, the rules of behavior for snake bites and symptoms.

There are quite a few types of snakes on earth, but a person most often suffers from the bites of only three types of reptiles - vipers, already-like and aspids.

Table of contents:

Types of poisonous snakes and characteristics of their bites

family already similar

most often found perishing ordinary and verdigris. The bites of these snakes do not pose a danger to human life, and they cannot drastically shake their health. But the bite itself is accompanied by powerful painful sensations, suppuration of the wound may develop.

viper family

The brightest representative of this species is the common viper. This snake is peaceful, bites a person only in case of direct anxiety - for example, if a person grabs a viper with his hands, steps on it. In general, upon seeing a person, the common viper tries to crawl away to the side, hide, or continues to lie quietly, watching a potential enemy.

Mortality after the bite of this type of poisonous snake is only 1% of the total mass. Such a low indicator is connected with the fact that the snake injects a small amount of poison into the human body, it saves it - the creation and accumulation of the next portion is too tiring for the reptile.

The venom of the common viper, when bitten, can get into the muscle tissue, under the skin or into the lumen of the vessel. The last option is the most difficult - the spread of the poison is instantaneous, the symptoms are too severe.

aspid family

A striking representative of this species is the Central Asian cobra. Often, the cobra first warns the enemy about the attack, it can even imitate a bite - it stands in a characteristic stance, expands its neck, emits a loud hiss and makes a sharp throw to the lower limbs of a person, hitting them with its head with its mouth closed.

The main component of the venom of the Central Asian cobra is a neurotoxin - it blocks the sensitivity of the skin, impairs the conduction of a nerve impulse, and provokes the development of paralysis and paresis.

Symptoms of venomous snake bites

It may happen that a person does not notice a snake bite, so you need to know the main symptoms of snake venom poisoning in order to be able to provide medical assistance.

Common viper bite symptoms:

If severe intoxication develops, then the above symptoms will be accompanied by the following symptoms:

severe weakness;
clearly defined pallor of the skin;
extremities become cold;
confusion is noted;
fever and shortness of breath, loss of consciousness, and kidney failure may develop.

Symptoms of a Central Asian cobra bite:

there is a sharp, burning pain at the bite site, which subsides only after a few hours;
the color of the skin at the site of the bite practically does not change;
there is swelling in the area of \u200b\u200bthe wounds, but not as pronounced as with the bite of an ordinary viper;
a clear bloody liquid may ooze from the wound;
the functions of the affected limb are impaired, paralysis develops in an ascending direction;
the muscles of the face suffer - the eyelids and lower jaw involuntarily fall, the movement of the eyeballs is disturbed.

When bitten by a Central Asian cobra, symptoms of general intoxication also develop rapidly:

Note:if a person is not provided with medical assistance after a bite of a Central Asian cobra, then his death occurs within 2-7 hours from respiratory arrest.

What determines the severity of symptoms after a bite of a venomous snake:

Age of the bitten person. The symptoms of snake venom poisoning are most intense in children and the elderly. The presence of internal diseases, the level of immunity and general health also play a role.
Type of snake, its size and age. It is believed that the common viper is less dangerous than the Central Asian cobra, although in any case, the bite of these representatives of reptiles causes serious health problems. Less dangerous are the bites of young snakes, small in size.
The condition of the snake's teeth. If they are infected, then the penetration of pathogenic microorganisms into the wound will be a must - this aggravates the development of symptoms.
Bite site. The lower extremities are most often affected, and then the symptoms will develop slowly. But snake bites happen to the neck, and to the face, and to the location of large blood vessels - the symptoms will develop rapidly.
Human behavior after a bite. If the bitten person actively moves and runs, then the spread of snake venom throughout the body will be faster - the intensity of the symptoms will be powerful.

First aid for snakebite

So, everything has already happened - a man was bitten by a poisonous snake. What to do in this case, how to help the victim and prevent the development of serious complications?

Firstly, it is necessary to put the bitten person in a horizontal position and try to calm him down - anxiety, tantrums and panic will definitely not help. If the snake is fixed on the skin at the site of the bite (this, by the way, happens often), it must be removed and destroyed, but not thrown away anywhere - the reptile may be needed for examination by a specialist.

Secondly, if possible, immediately call an ambulance, contact rescuers or a recreation center, a hotel. While you are doing all these actions, carefully observe the victim - the absence of burning, swelling and pain at the site of the bite most likely indicates that the snake is not poisonous.

Thirdly, the affected part must be freed from clothing and jewelry - they can put pressure on the bite site and provoke increased swelling.

note: if the symptoms indicate that a person was bitten by a poisonous snake, then medical assistance should be provided immediately, without waiting for the arrival of the ambulance team!

Urgent care:

If a poisonous snake has bitten a limb, then it must be immobilized - you can put a bandage or splint from improvised materials (board, branch) on your leg or arm.
Suction of poison from the wound is advisable to carry out within a maximum of 10 minutes after the incident. If there is a rubber bulb with us, then we work with it, if not, we use the mouth. First you need to squeeze the bite wounds between your fingers and stretch them slightly - this will help to “open” them, then we grab the bite site with our teeth and begin to actively suck out the poison, while helping with our fingers (as if “squeezing”). We immediately spit out the poison with saliva, the duration of this procedure should not exceed 20 minutes - during this time it is possible to remove 50% of the total amount of poison from the body from the body.
We treat the bite site with a disinfectant - hydrogen peroxide, chlorhexidine, brilliant green are suitable. Do not treat the wound with alcohol.
A bandage is applied to the wound from a bandage or any piece of clean tissue. In no case should it be tight - this fact is checked by sticking a finger under the bandage (it should pass freely).
Cold is applied to the bite site - the best option there will be ice. If this particular type of cooling is used, then every 5-7 minutes you need to take a break in the procedure for 5 minutes - this will prevent tissue frostbite.
The victim is given antihistamine drugs - Tavegil, Diphenhydramine, Loratadin. If possible, such funds are administered intramuscularly.
The bitten person should drink plenty of fluids - up to 5 liters of water per day. This will help reduce the manifestations of intoxication in the body. It is necessary to give the patient vitamins K and C, and if possible, put a dropper with glucose (5% solution in an amount of 400 ml).
The victim is given glucocorticosteroid drugs (Prednisolone or Dexamethasone), they can be administered intramuscularly.
If a person is bitten by a Central Asian cobra, then his breathing may be disturbed. To alleviate his condition, you need to periodically apply a cotton swab moistened with ammonia to the nose.
If respiratory and heart failure rapidly develop, then Caffeine, Ephedrine or Cordiamin is administered to the bitten person.
In case of complete cessation of breathing and heartbeat, the patient is given artificial respiration and chest compressions.

What not to do when bitten by a venomous snake

The problem is that people, when bitten by a venomous snake, begin to perform actions that can lead to the development of serious complications. It is necessary to clearly remember what in no case should be done in the condition under consideration:

cauterize the bite site;
apply heat to the affected area;
apply a tourniquet on the affected limb - this leads to a rapid and deep spread of poison in the tissue;
cut the bite site to drain the poison;
take any alcoholic beverages;
ice the limb for a long time;

Antidotes

Poisoning with snake venom involves the introduction of specific sera (antidotes) - it is advisable to do this on the first day after the bite. In the future, if necessary, you can enter another dose of serum.

Serum "Antigyurza"

If a person was bitten by a snake of the viper species, then he needs to enter the type of antidote in question in the first hours after the defeat. This tool will help prevent the development of anaphylactic shock. Moreover, it must be administered according to a certain scheme and only in the subscapular region subcutaneously:

0.1 ml of the agent is injected;
after 15 minutes another 0.25 ml is injected;
if there are no signs of anaphylactic shock, then the patient is injected with the entire remaining serum (it is available in 500 IU ampoules).

If the degree of poisoning is mild, then a maximum of 1000 IU of serum is administered to a person, with an average degree - 2000 IU, with a severe degree - 3000 IU.

Serum "Atikobra"

Such a serum is injected with snake bites from the aspid family and the Central Asian cobra. This antidote is administered in an amount of 300 ml with simultaneous intravenous infusion of a solution of Prozerin and a solution of Atropine sulfate, 0.5 mg every half hour.

Note:treatment for a venomous snakebite is carried out only in medical institution under the control of medical professionals. Appointments are made on a strictly individual basis, taking into account the general well-being of the victim, his age and the intensity of the symptoms of poisoning.

There are no specific preventive measures to prevent venomous snake bites. But there is a list of rules of conduct when meeting with such reptiles:

The bite of a venomous snake is unpleasant and even dangerous. But if you take measures to prevent the spread of poison in the body, competently conduct first aid, then the consequences will not be terrible for human health and life.

Tsygankova Yana Alexandrovna, medical observer, therapist of the highest qualification category

Fans of barbecue in nature are threatened not only by ticks, wasps and mosquitoes, but also by more dangerous representatives of wildlife. In May, snakes wake up from hibernation and crawl out of their holes to bask in the sun. The likelihood of meeting with a creeping reptile - and, accordingly, dangerous consequences - bites - for a person increases significantly.

Not all snakes are venomous

What to do if bitten by a snake?

“Check the bite carefully. If you are bitten by a harmless snake or snake, there will be several small wounds on the skin. It is enough to disinfect them with alcohol or chlorhexidine and, if necessary, bandage them,” says Ruslan Dzodziev.

The bite of a venomous snake is easily recognizable by two neat symmetrical punctures and swelling, but there will be no bleeding. When poisoned with snake venom, body temperature rises and blood pressure decreases. The victim may be disturbed by chills, nausea and dizziness, and in severe cases, loss of consciousness is possible.

First aid for a bite of a viper or viper

If you find an inflamed bite, be sure to call an ambulance or go to the hospital yourself. It’s better to hurry here: doctors say that the victim has about two hours to prevent serious consequences.

While the medics are on their way, wash the wound with peroxide or potassium permanganate, take an antihistamine or anti-inflammatory drug, and drink plenty of water. You can apply ice to the bite, but not more than five minutes.

But a special antidote serum, according to doctors, is not worth taking on a hike. First, it causes an allergic reaction in many people. Secondly, the composition of the poison in different types snakes are different, and cobra antidote won't help if you get bitten by a viper or viper. Instead of self-medicating, try to remember what the snake looked like so that the doctor understands what drug you need.

Most doctors do not recommend sucking out snake venom. Poison can get into wounds in the mouth. In addition, you run the risk of infection and aggravate your condition. For the same reason, it is dangerous to cut the skin at the site of the bite. Even if you are confident in the safety of these procedures, they only make sense for the first 5-10 minutes after the bite.

Do not actively move the wounded limb - the poison will spread faster through the circulatory system. Applying a tourniquet is all the more unnecessary and even dangerous: poison and decomposition products will accumulate in the constriction site. When the tourniquet is removed, toxic substances will enter the bloodstream.

Easier to prevent than to cure

“Fortunately, snakes rarely attack humans and only attack in self-defense. In order not to be bitten, you need to carefully choose places for outdoor recreation, avoiding clearings with suspicious holes, piles of fallen leaves, stumps and thickets. Also, you should not have a picnic on the banks of a picturesque swamp or near a haystack,” comments Ruslan Dzodziev.

According to the expert, high shoes and tight, closed clothing will protect not only from snakes, but also from insects that live in forests and fields.

“If you decide to drive the snakes out of your dacha, you should add thick mittens and clothes with a high collar to the equipment,” the instructor says.

Let's talk now about the viper's bite and what first aid should be for such a bite. First of all, to be honest, I have never been bitten by a viper (so far). Unfortunately (on the other hand, fortunately), I personally know people who have suffered from a viper bite. Unfortunately, because there is nothing pleasant about it. Fortunately, because they are alive and well. And even more: their immunity after a bite gains some resistance to possible subsequent bites.

Viper bite. How it happens

There is usually no reason for a viper to bite a human. The snake is small (compared to others, for example, with a gyurza), and the person is large. Vipers bite either at the moment of dangerous proximity of a person, when he accidentally steps on or touches the snake with his hands. Or when a person gets into the nesting place of the viper, and she protects the territory. The first option is much more common. The second usually happens in the spring, during the breeding season.

Conclusion from the above: In order not to be bitten by a viper, it is necessary to be careful and attentive in places where vipers live. Whatever they write, usually the viper warns of its presence by hissing. Hissing is not an attempt to bite. It's like the words "careful, I'm here." If you leave the viper alone, or even start playing with it with a long (not short!) Stick, it will certainly tend to crawl away.

But, if you touch the viper with your hand or foot (without a rubber boot), the result will be an almost lightning-fast bite.

Viper bite. First aid

Much depends on the size of the viper. The larger it is, the more poison will enter the wound. The more the bite will hurt.

What to do with a viper bite:

1. Do not apply a tourniquet. It's just not possible, that's all. Otherwise, tissue will die. You can not cauterize the wound, cut it and bleed. Viper venom spreads very quickly throughout the body. It is necessary to help the body cope with the received dose of poison as quickly as possible, and for this, the first thing to do is to reduce this amount as much as possible.

2. If possible, you must immediately remove some of the poison from the wound. Mouth, glass (as when placing cans on the back), in any way. It will not be possible to remove all the poison in this way, but even some of the poison, if removed, will affect the recovery process. It is clear that it is not difficult to independently remove part of the poison by mouth from the upper limbs. If you bite in the legs, you will have to use the same glass (or something similar) or ask someone for help. In any case, it is advisable to do this in the first 10 minutes after the bite.

3. If it is possible to contact the first-aid post and get help, then this should be done within 30-60 minutes after the bite. An antidote called Antiviper is introduced, which neutralizes the effect of the poison. If the antidote is introduced later, it will not help much.

4. If a bitten person does not have the opportunity to seek medical help, then, in principle, you can lie down at home. Without a doubt, the bitten limb will swell quickly. If the portion of the poison was large, and it was not possible to remove part of the poison, the edema can also go to the trunk. You also need to be prepared for the appearance of quite severe pain at the site of the bite. These are all the rules of the game. This is what happens after a bite.

5. If possible, take a Suprastin tablet to suppress possible allergic reactions after a bite.

6. Take a horizontal position, raising your legs above head level. It is desirable to maintain maximum immobility. This will make it easier for the body to fight the poison.

7. Plentiful sweet drink is desirable. You can't take alcohol. The body already has something to neutralize.

8. If it was possible to seek medical help, you need to understand that a person bitten by a viper will most likely be placed in a hospital for up to a week. Usually they put a dropper, which facilitates the process of processing the poison.

9. At home, it is also necessary to rest for several days until swelling and redness subside.

10. When bitten by a swamp viper (common), the lethality is usually less than 1 percent. But bites to the neck, bites of young children and people with severely weakened immune systems remain severe. In these cases, urgently deliver the bitten person to a medical facility.

The bite of poisonous snakes is hard to miss - after a few minutes, a person, as a rule, begins to experience quite severe pain. The symptoms of a viper bite differ little from those of other venomous snake bites, but there are still some differences.

Viper snake bite - symptoms and signs

Symptoms of a viper bite in humans can be different and depend on such indicators:

The amount of poison injected. In 25% of cases, a person does not receive poison at all when bitten, in 60% of cases the snake injects a rather small, non-life-threatening dose of the active substance.
The age and health of the victim. Old people and children usually tolerate the bite worse. Also at risk are those who are prone to cardiovascular and neurotic diseases, allergy sufferers, people who have recently undergone surgery and severe systemic diseases. Any chronic disease from snake venom can worsen.
Bite sites. The defeat of the limbs practically does not pose a serious threat to health. A bite to the neck, head, or abdomen requires immediate hospitalization.

Vipers are very cautious animals, they prefer to avoid human contact and almost never attack first. Because of this, most bites occur through negligence, or inattention: in a situation where a person did not notice a snake and stepped on it in tall grass, crushed a viper that climbed into a backpack or clothes folded on the ground. Symptoms after a viper bite first appear in the affected area:

feeling of prick;
a reddish trace from 2 poisonous teeth (in difficult cases - 4);
after 15 minutes - the appearance of severe pain at the site of the bite and around it;
swelling;
tissue redness;
bruising;
after a few hours, bruising and blisters with pus may appear.

In addition, there are signs of toxic poisoning:

weak rapid pulse;
dizziness and nausea;
spasms;
temperature rise;
enlargement and soreness of the lymph nodes;
respiratory failure.

What are the symptoms of a viper bite in animals?

Many animals are not sensitive to snake venom at all, but there are also categories for which the bite of a viper is deadly. These are small rodents, dogs and cats. Symptoms in cattle when bitten by a steppe viper do not always appear due to the large mass of these animals. You should not worry too much if a cow is bitten by a snake, most likely, in a couple of days the animal will fully recover. It may fall on its side for a while, but this does not always happen. But the goat may need a longer period. In general, with strong doses of poison, the manifestations of the bite will be the same as in humans. It is important to remember that the milk of a bitten animal should not be consumed, but should be milked several times a day.