bitten by a snake — what do you next?

[davidc4430]

You've just been bitten by a snake — what you do next could save your life

http://www.abc.net.au/news/science/2017-11-26/youve-just-been-bitten-by-a-snake-%E2%80%94-what-do-yo...

[enigmabear]

I should send this to my old boss

About 10 years ago,when I was on an afternoon shift, I open the front door to go to work and there was a red belly black snake on my front door mat

Phoned work to say I'd be late or not in at all, only to have the boss ask "Can't you just step over it" ?

Erm, how about NO

[this-one-time-at-bandcamp]

The Lone Ranger and Tonto were riding through the forest, when LR had to whizz.  Unfortunately, a rattler bit him on his doo-wacker.  He fell to the ground groaning and dispatched Tonto to the nearby town for a doctor.  The doctor was in the process of delivering a difficult birth, but he gave Tonto these instructions, "Take a knife, make two cross punctures over the wounds, then suck the poison out".

Tonto rode back to the LR, who asked him what the doctor said.  Tonto replied, "You're going to die, white man".

[davidc4430]

[imastawka]

I remember this pic.  Scariest thing I've ever seen, I reckon.

Mum didn't even notice til she looked at the pic later.   That's an Eastern Brown.

[janeababe]

Cover the bite area with something non-absorbent before applying pressure imobilising bandage. (Like a piece of plastic or gladwrap but emergency staff like you to use a $100 note 😊😊) non refundable of course!

Every time you wrap over the (bite) mark the bandage (X marks the spot)
The article said that at hospital, staff will remove the bandages but competent staff will only expose the bitten area to take a swab, give antivenom and monitor toxins released into the blood (if any).... and once clear, then they'll remove the remaining bandages.

It frustrates me when I hear of staff removing pressure immobilising bandages incorrectly. It's like unkinking a hose. Once released, it gushes! Same thing happens to toxins in the lymphatic system. The whole purpose is to prevent it being released/absorbed into the blood stream.

Immobilise the limb. Don't move. Get help asap.

I keep a roll of gladwrap in the car. It is an amazing first aid tool.

When I teach first aid, I teach my learners to 'think outside the box'.

[chameleon54]

I was bitten by a snake about 12 months ago. I was walking in long grass on the farm when I felt something wriggling under my foot and a tap against the elastic side of my work boot. I didnt think much of it at the time and just kept on working. As the day went on the foot became very sore, so I took the boot off to find the two puncture wounds of a snake bite. This was a number of hours after being bitten and I didnt feel any effects, so I just kept working.

A couple of days later the wound started to go black with the colour rapidly extending down my foot. I went to the emergency department at the local hospital where I was seen by a nurse who confirmed it was snake bite. I waited a couple of hours to see a doctor, but when an ambulance arrived with a heart attack victim. I just gave up and went home. The ankle was very itchy for a number of weeks, but eventually came good.

I assume it was a small red belly black snake that bit me and probably didnt get much venom in. Whatever the reason I was very lucky. Considering I didnt actually feel the puncture wounds of the bite and I dont always carry a phone it could have been a lot worse.

[not_for_sale2025]

One of my favourite people, darts player Peter Wright, better known as Snakebite.

[the_great_she_elephant]

SPRINGFIELD MOUNTAIN - THE PESKY SARPENT.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GaTriu1t_ss

[serendipityricho]

Remember the old days-try and kill the snake and bring it wth you to the hospital..

This was dangerous and not needed but saved the Government money.

Most hospitals had stocks of anti venom and the single doses were cheaper 

than the multi one if the offending snake was not produced.

Richo.