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SNAKE BITE
Introduction:
What is a snake:
Snakes are limbless reptiles belonging to the suborder Serpentes. There are more than 3000 species of snakes in the world. Snakes are dangerous because most snakes have deadly venom. All snakes are ectothermic and predatory though there is remarkable interspecies variability in size and shape.
What is Snake Venom:
Venom is a type of poison, especially one secreted by an animal. It is delivered in a bite, sting, or similar action. Snake venom is highly toxic saliva containing zootoxins that facilities in the immobilization and digestion of prey. This also provides defense against threats. Snake venom is injected by unique fangs during a bite, whereas some species are also able to spit venom.
Difference between Venomous and Nonvenomous:
Venomous Nonvenomous
Triangular with pits head shape Round and without pits head shape
Sometimes noisy No noise at all
Elliptical or vertical slits Rounded pupils
Brightly colored or very patterned Often less colorful and one solid color
Venom is a method of killing Constriction is a method of killing
Venom No Venom
What is Snake Bite:
An injury caused by a bite from a snake. A snake bite can be life-threatening if the snake is venomous.
Though the exact number of snakebites is unknown, an estimated 5.4 million people are bitten each year with up to 2.7 million envenomings. Around 81000 to 138000 people die each year because of snake bites. Bites by venomous snakes can cause paralysis that may prevent breathing, bleeding disorders that can lead to a fatal hemorrhage, irreversible kidney failure, and tissue damage that can cause permanent disability and limb amputation. Agriculture workers and children are the most affected. children often suffer more severe effects than adults, due to their smaller body mass.
SYMPTOMS OF SNAKEBITE:
Symptoms of a snake bite may vary depending on the type of snake, but may include:
* Puncture marks at the wound
* Redness, swelling, bruising, bleeding, or blistering around the bite.
* severe pain and tenderness at the site of the bite.
* Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
* Labored breathing(in extreme cases, breathing maybe stop altogether)
* Rapid heart rate, weak pulse, low blood pressure.
* Disturbed vision
* Metallic, mint, or rubber taste in your mouth.
* Increased salivation and sweating.
* Numbness or tingling around face and/or limbs.
* Muscle twitching.
TREATMENT OF SNAKES BITES:
* First, call the 911 or a local emergency ambulance
FIRST AID:
* Move the person beyond striking distance of the snake
* Do not pick up the snake or try to wrap it up or kill it, as this will increase your chance of getting bitten again. Even dead snakes can bite.
* Have the person lie down with a wound below the heart.
* Keep the person calm and at rest, remaining as still as possible to keep the venom from spreading
* Do not attempt to suck out the venom
* Do not cut a bite wound.
* Do not apply a tourniquet, ice, or water
* Cover the wound with a loose, sterile bandage
* Remove any jewelry from the area that was bitten
* Remove shoes if the leg or foot was bitten
* Do not give the person alcohol or caffeinated drinks or any other medications.
Snake bites should begin treatment within 30 minutes otherwise it can be life-threatening
At the hospital, treatment will depend on the type of snake
* If the snake was venomous, the person will be given anti-venom treatment.
* A tetanus shot may be given, depending on the date of the last injection.
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