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The ASF team works diligently to address the dire need for snakebite support in tropical climates. If you enjoy the articles below, please consider making a tax-deductible donation. Recurring or one-time donations, no matter the amount, equate to life-changing support for snakebite victims and their families. If there are any topics you’d like addressed, please email us. We always love the opportunity to educate.
Are Baby Snakes Really More Dangerous Than Adults?
Contrary to popular belief, the bite of a baby rattlesnake is almost always far less serious than the bite of a larger adult rattlesnake. The notion that baby rattlesnakes cannot control the quantity of venom injected (referred to in the field of Herpetology as “venom metering”) is a myth that has been disproven multiple times through well-designed studies.
Benadryl Does Not Fix Snakebites
In short, Benadryl is not effective for snake envenomations in humans or other animals. Please stop sharing this information. Antivenom along with proper supportive care are the only effective treatments supported by peer-reviewed literature.
How to Survive a Snakebite in the Wilderness
FIRST AND FOREMOST, DO NOT MAKE IT WORSE!
DO NOT MAKE A TOURNIQUET, DO NOT CUT AND SUCK, DO NOT APPLY THE SAWYER EXTRACTOR OR OTHER COMMERCIAL “SNAKEBITE KITS”, DO NOT ELECTROCUTE YOURSELF WITH A STUN GUN, AND DO NOT FOLLOW ANY STRANGE RECOMMENDATIONS YOU RECEIVE FROM OTHER HIKERS ON THE TRAIL. NO FIRST AID IS OFTEN LESS HARMFUL THAN BAD FIRST AID WHEN IT COMES TO SNAKEBITES!
How to Treat Snakebites for First Responders in the United States
Approximately 9,000 snakebite envenomations occur yearly in the United States. Most of these envenomations are due to pit vipers, including rattlesnakes, cottonmouths, and copperheads. Fortunately, due to rapid access to medical care, deaths are rare, with only 3 to 5 occurring nationwide each year. Our emergency medical system is the first link in the chain of treating patients. In comparison to many areas of the world, the U.S. has an advanced system of highly-trained EMTs and paramedics skilled in the prompt assessment, stabilization, and transport of critically ill patients.
What to Expect When You’re Expecting…. And Snakebitten
Snakebites can lead to serious consequences regardless of the victim's age or health, pregnant women face additional challenges due to the potential harm that venomous toxins can inflict on fetal development. It is crucial to address snakebite treatment promptly and efficiently to minimize risks.
Exploring Viper Venoms
Venomous snakes, particularly vipers, have long captured the imagination of humanity. From ancient myths to modern scientific study, these creatures have intrigued and sometimes terrified us. Central to their fearsome reputation is their venom – a complex cocktail of bioactive molecules designed for subduing prey and defending against threats. Here, we delve into the fascinating world of venom components in vipers, exploring their diversity, functions, and potential applications.