SNAKE BITE MANAGEMENT

GUIDELINES FOR MANAGING  SNAKE BITES Purpose: The purpose of this guideline is to make employees and contractors understand what to do in case of a snake, what to do in case one sees a snake and also understanding the symptoms of poisonous snake bites. Snake Types: There are basically two types of snake: the poisonous and non-poisonous. Of all snake species, about 20% are poisonous and the rest are non-poisonous Non-poisonous Snakes ·         Have rounded head ·         Do not have fangs ·         Have rounded eye pupils ·         Do not have pit ·      Anal Plate has double row of plates ·         Leave bite mark of a row of small teeth B.    Poisonous Snake ·    Have triangular head with the exception of the Cobra. ·   Have fangs ·   Have elliptical eye pupils ·   Anal Plate has single row of plates ·   Leave bite Mark showing fang mark.      C.    Behavior Snake by nature are not aggressive and will choose to run unless cornered or agitated/ surprised. What to do on encountering a Snake Don’t panic, Freeze (standstill) immediately you see a snake or hear a hissing sound. Make sure you stay at least 3m from the snake by backing off slowly. Don’t provoke it. When a Snake bites Snake bites occur when a snake bites the skin, and snake bites are medical emergencies. Snake bites can be deadly if not treated quickly.  Treat all snake bites serious as described below;

Symptoms of snake bites Symptoms depend on the type of snake, but may include: Bleeding from wound (site) Fang marks in the skin Difficulty in breathing Blurred vision Burning of the skin           Convulsions Diarrhea Dizziness Excessive sweating Fainting Paralysis Fever Increased thirst Loss of muscle coordination Nausea and vomiting Numbness and tingling Rapid pulse Severe pain Skin discoloration Swelling at the site of the bite Weakness Shock  First Aid 1.       Keep the person calm, reassuring that snake bites can be effectively treated in an emergency room. 2.       ONLY if safe to do so, identify (and/or kill & carry to medical facility) the offending species of snake  3.        Restrict movement, and keep the affected area below heart level to reduce the flow of venom. 4.       Remove any rings or constricting items because the affected area may swell. Create a loose splint to help restrict movement of the area. 5.       If the area of the bite begins to swell and change color, the snake was probably poisonous 6.       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 person flat, raise the feet/unbitten limb about a foot, and cover the person with a blanket 7.       Get medical help right away 8.       Bring in the dead snake only if this can be done safely. 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 snake can actually bite for up to an hour after it’s dead (from a reflex).

DO NOT ·         Do NOT allow the person to become over-exerted. If necessary, carry the person to safety. ·         Do NOT apply a tourniquet. ·         Do NOT apply cold compresses to a snake bite. ·         Do NOT cut into a snake bite with a knife or razor. ·         Do NOT try to suck out the venom by mouth. ·         Do NOT give the person stimulants or pain medications unless a doctor tells you to do so. ·         Do NOT give the person anything by mouth. ·         Do NOT raise the site of the bite above the level of the person's heart. Preventing Snake bites ·         Avoid areas where snakes may be hiding, such as under rocks and logs. ·         Avoid contact with any snake for whatsoever reason ·         Don't provoke a snakes ·         Tap ahead of you with a walking stick before entering an area where you can't see your feet so Snakes can try to avoid you by giving early warning ·         When working in an area known to have snakes, wear long pants and boots ·         Maintain a snake bite kit for emergency situations Compiled by ; Paul Sampa Mutale  BA.EC&PA, Dip EHS, CERT M&E