Especialidades JA/Primeros auxilios/Mordedura de serpientes

Primeros Auxilios

Recomendaciones de los primeros auxilios para una mordedura de serpientes varían, en parte porque diferentes serpientes que tienen diferentes clases de veneno. Algunos tienen poco efecto local, pero efectos grandes sistémicos que amenazan la vida, en cuyo caso contener el veneno en la región de la mordedura por inmovilización de presión es deseable. Otros venenos instigan daño tisular localizada alrededor de la zona de la mordedura, y la inmovilización pueden aumentar la gravedad de los daños en la área afectada, pero también reducir el área total afectada; si esta compensación es deseable sigue siendo un punto de controversia.

Debido a que las serpientes varían de un país a otro, los métodos de primeros auxilios también varían. Como siempre, este artículo no es un sustituto legítimo para el consejo médico profesional. Se les recomienda a los lectores a obtener directrices de una organización de primeros auxilios de buena reputación en su propia región, y tener cuidado con los remedios de consejos personales o anecdóticos.

However, most first aid guidelines agree on the following:

1. Protect the patient (and others, including yourself) from further bites. While identifying the species is desirable in certain regions, do not risk further bites or delay proper medical treatment by attempting to capture or kill the snake. If the snake has not already fled, carefully remove the victim from the immediate area. If possible, take a photograph of the snake (many cell phones are equipped with cameras). If you do not know what type of snake it is, someone else might be able to identify it from the photo. A poor photo is better than no photo.
2. Keep the victim calm. Acute stress reaction increases blood flow and endangers the patient. Keep people near the patient calm. Panic is infectious and compromises judgment.
3. Call for help to arrange for transport to the nearest hospital emergency room, where antivenin for snakes common to the area will often be available.
4. Make sure to keep the bitten limb in a functional position and below the victim's heart level so as to minimize blood returning to the heart and other organs of the body.
5. Do not give the patient anything to eat or drink. This is especially important with consumable alcohol, a known vasodilator which will speed up the absorption of venom. Do not administer stimulants or pain medications to the victim, unless specifically directed to do so by a physician.
6. Remove any items or clothing which may constrict the bitten limb if it swells (rings, bracelets, watches, footwear, etc.)
7. Keep the victim as still as possible.
8. Do not incise the bitten site.

Many organizations, including the American Medical Association and American Red Cross, recommend washing the bite with soap and water. However, do not attempt to clean the area with any type of chemical. Australian recommendations for snake bite treatment strongly recommend against cleaning the wound. Traces of venom left on the skin/bandages from the strike can be used in combination with a snake bite identification kit to identify the species of snake. This speeds determination of which antivenin to administer in the emergency room.