*** North American Venomous Snakebite: Emergency First Aid ***

     North American Snakebite Emergency: First-Aid  Information

WHAT TO DO:

- Allow bite to bleed freely for one  minute/use Sawyer Extractor(tm)
  for 1-minute if possible
- Remove constrictive clothing, shoes (boots), watch or rings
- Cleanse/disinfect bite thoroughly if possible for 30 seconds
- Apply hard direct pressure with gauze pad over bite area
- Strap pad  tightly in place with adhesive tape
- Soak gauze pad w/BETADINE (tm) if possible before application
- Wrap affected extremity with  2"-3" ACE(tm) elastic bandaging
- Wrap as tightly as one would for a sprain
- Keep affected extremity positioned at or as close to heart level as possible
- Immobilize affected extremity; use a splint if possible
- Get medical attention as soon as possible
- Identify (and/or kill & bring) offending species of snake 
  ONLY if safe to do so


WHAT NOT TO DO:

Don't eat or drink anything
Don't engage in strenuous physical activity
Don't cut or incise bite marks; do not apply oral suction to bite
Don't take alcoholic beverage or any medication
Don't delay seeking medical attention
Don't apply cold or hot  packs or a constrictive tourniquet
Don't apply electric shock of any kind
Do not remove dressings/elastic wrap until arrival at hospital

   IMPORTANT CONTACTS  IN A SNAKEBITE EMERGENCY
++ Give This Information to Your Medical Provider ++


   LOCAL POISON CONTROL CENTER/CONTACT AT ONCE
Wyeth-Ayerst -- N.A. Antivenin Manufacturer (610-688-4400)
Physican Consultants Accessible through Poison Control
Physician Consultants Accessible from NYC SB Emer:  718-430-6494 


 No liability is assumed  or implied in its use 
Information and comments to: grenard@herpmed.com

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