SNAKE BITE NEED NOT BE A KILLER

The bite of a taipan is so potent it can kill 10 men.  Its average bite can produce enough venom to account for 50,000 laboratory mice.  According to venom expert Dr Straun Sutherland; “That’s one hell of a pile of mice”. 

But the taipan is only one of a score of venomous Australian creatures that could kill you as spring turns into summer, if correct first aid procedures are not used.

Our sunburned country has no man-eating mammals, but the number and variety of venomous animals on the land and in the sea sufficiently makes up for this.  We have to share the continent with the small scaled snake, potentially the worlds most venomous, the aptly named death adder, the funnel web spider, the only one that can kill a man in 30 minutes, the box jellyfish, the most dangerous jelly fish and the blue-ringed octopus, the deadliest of its kind.

It is some comfort to know that teams of scientists have developed anti-venoms for almost every creature that poses a threat to us on the beach or in the bush.  The International Society on Toxicology, a world body of toxin specialists, held its 7th World Congress on Animal, Plant and Microbial toxins at Queensland University recently.

Dr Sutherland, who played a major part in the development of anti-venoms for Australian spiders and snakes, revealed to the congress the latest first aid techniques for snake bite and he slammed some of the old methods.

“Not all snakes are venomous but it is best to treat all snakes as dangerous,” he said.  “Most cases of snake bite are clearly avoidable and most occur when the animal is stepped on or deliberately provoked.  Most bites occur on the limbs, 75 per cent involve the legs, and sometimes the venom is not injected even if puncture marks can be seen.  It is very important the bitten area is not incised or cut as this damages tenons and blood vessels and doesn’t remove very much venom, anyway”.

“Our research has shown that very little venom reaches the blood stream if firm pressure is applied over the bitten area and the limb is immobilised.  A broad firm bandage must be immediately applied around the limb covering the bitten area.  Bind it as tightly as you would a sprained ankle.  Crepe bandages are ideal but if they’re not available, tear up old clothes or towels into strips and bandage as much of the limb as possible.  Keep the limb still and bind a splint to it, any rigid object will do”.

“These bandages and splint should be left on until medical care arrives and transport should be provided for the patient whenever possible.  Don’t apply an arterial tourniquet and the bitten area should not be washed because the type of snake may be identified by the venom found on the skin.  If the culprit can be safely killed take it to the hospital with the victim”.

Research:  “Studies have shown that these same procedures used for snake bite can also save the lives of funnel web victims”.  Dr Sutherland and his team have also carried out extensive research on bites and stings from bees, wasps, ticks and marine creatures with appropriate first aid treatment devised.  Commonsense is a great snake bite deterrent.

TREATMENT SAVES LIFE

Snakes (at least 12 species can kill man)

Local pressure and immobilisation. Venom detection kits.  Anti-venom available.

Red-back spider (found Australia wide)

No first aid required, venom works very slowly and if its movement is restricted can cause severe local pain.  Anti-venom available.

Funnel-web spider

Local pressure and immobilisation may be lifesaving.  Anti- venom available.

Bees, wasps and ants (may cause anaphylactic death in allergic victims.

Remove sting, use local pressure and immobilisation Seek immediate medical care.  Adrenaline and oxygen may be needed.

Australian Paralysis Tick

Remove tick.  If patient is ill apply pressure and immobilise.  Search for other ticks.  Antitoxin available.

Box jellyfish (tropical waters)

Pour vinegar over adhering tentacles, NEVER alcohol or methylated spirits.  Artificial respiration may be needed and the pressure immobilisation method is NOT recommended.  Anti-venom available.

Blue-ringed octopus (all Australian waters)

Local pressure and immobilisation.  Prolonged artificial respiration may be required

Stonefish or other stinging fish (tropical waters)           

Do NOT restrict the movement of injected toxin.  Relieve pain.  Treat as a contaminated wound, some stings respond to bathing in warm water.  Stonefish anti-venom available.

Conus shell (tropical waters)      

Local pressure and immobilisation.  Prolonged artificial respiration may be required.  No anti-venom available.