0TH ER Fl RST-AI D CASES=====================
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Snakebites. The bite of a nonvenomous snake causes only minor puncture wounds and can be treated as such. Since snakes are not warm-blooded, they cannot carry rabies. Scrub the bite with soap and water, treat with an antiseptic, and cover with a sterile bandage. However, a venomous snakebite requires specia l care. The venomous snakes of No rth America are pit vipers and coral snakes. Pit vipers, including rattlesnakes, copperheads, and cottonmouths, have triangu lar-shaped heads with pits on each side in front of their eyes. Signals of a pit viper bite include puncture marks, pain (perhaps extreme) and swelling (possibly severe), skin discoloration, nausea and vomiting, shallow breathing, blurred vision, and shock. Coral snakes have black noses and are marked wi th red and yellow bands side-by-side, separated by bands of black. They inject a powerful venom that affects the victim's nervous system. The signals of a cora l snakebite include slowed physical and mental reactions, sleepiness, nausea, shortness of breath, convulsions, shock, and coma. The bite of a venomous snake can cause sharp, burning pain. The area around the bite might swell and become discolored; however, a venomous snake does not inject venom every time it bites. Here are the steps for treating the bite of venomo us snakes.
Do not make any cuts on or apply suction to the bite, apply ice, apply a tourniquet, or use electric shock such as from a car ba ttery. These methods could cause more harm to the victi m or are not proven to be effective.
As a precaution, use a hiking stick to poke among stones and bru sh ahead of you when you walk through areas where snakes are common . Watch where you put you r hands as you collect firewood or climb over rocks and logs.
Do not give a snakebite victim alco hol, sedatives, or aspirin . Do not apply ice to the snakebite. Ice will not he lp the inj ury but cou ld damage the skin and tissue.
Step 1-Get the victim under medical care as soon as possible so that physicians can neutralize the venom. Step 2 - Remove rings and other jewelry that might cause problems if the area around the bite swells. Step 3 -If the victim must wait for medical attention to arrive, wash the wo und. If it is a bite of a venomous snake, wrap the area snugly (but comfo rtably) with an elastic roller bandage. Frequently check the area above and below the injury for feeling, warmth, and color. Check for snugness-a finger should easily but not loosely pass under the bandage. Step 4 - Have the vic tim lie down and position the bitten part lower than the level of the heart. Encourage him to stay calm . He might be very frightened, so keep assuring him that he is being cared for. Step 5 - Treat fo r shock .
Rattlesnake
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Cottonmouth moccasin
Since nearly all snakebites occur on the limbs, wearing gloves and boots or high leather shoes will protect the most vulnerable areas. The best rule is to never put your feet or hands where you cannot see them. Don't reach over blind hedges or poke around in crevices, hollow logs, or woodpiles. Copperhead
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