First Aid and Pre-Hospital Management of Venomous Snakebites

ECU Author/Contributor (non-ECU co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)

Jennifer,Meggs,William J. Parker-Cote (Creator)

Institution

East Carolina University (ECU )

Web Site: http://www.ecu.edu/lib/

Abstract: Background: Antivenom is the definitive treatment for venomous snakebites, but isexpensive and not available in many rural and poorly developed regions. Timely transportationto facilities that stock and administer antivenom may not be available in rural areas with poorlydeveloped emergency medical services. These factors have led to consideration of measures todelay onset of toxicity or alternatives to antivenom therapy. Methods: PubMed searches wereconducted for articles on snakebite treatment, or that contained first aid, emergency medical services,tourniquets, pressure immobilization bandages, suction devices, and lymphatic flow inhibitors.Results: The reviewed articles describe how venoms spread after a venomous snakebite on anextremity, list the proposed first aid measures for delaying the spread of venoms, and evaluate thescientific studies that support or refute methods of snakebite first aid. The recommendations forfield treatment of venomous snakebites will be discussed. Conclusions: The evidence suggests thatpressure immobilization bandages and related strategies are the best interventions to delay onset ofsystemic toxicity from venomous snakebites but may increase local toxicity for venoms that destroytissue at the site of the bite, so their use should be individualized to the circumstances and nature ofthe venom.

Additional Information

Publication

Other

Language: English

Date: 2018

Keywords

snakebites; first aid; emergency medicine services; pressure immobilization bandages

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