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Hiking in Snake Area: Learn How to Treat Bites

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Many dangerous myths surround the treatment of snake bites.

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The Australian Snakebite Project came up with some startling statistics, challenging many long-standing perceptions about where snake attacks occur and how to treat them.

The Australian Snakebite Project came up with some startling statistics, challenging many long-standing perceptions about where snake attacks occur and how to treat them.

The Medical Journal of Australia, the Snakebite Project Australian is the most comprehensive ever conducted, involving more than 1500 patients and collecting data on how snake bites have occurred since the last 10 years (2005-15).

Many dangerous myths surround the treatment of snakebites. The most important two and not include.

  • DO NOT wash the area of ​​the bite or try to suck out the venom. It is extremely important to preserve poison traces for use with poison identification kits.
  • DO NOT incise or cut the bite, or apply a high tourniquet. Cutting or cutting the bite will not help. High tourniquets are ineffective and can be fatal if released.
  • Be sure to bandage, splint, and immobilize to stop the spread of the venom. All major medical associations recommend slowing the spread of venom by placing a folded pad over the bite area and then applying a firm bandage. It should not stop the flow of blood to the limb or congest the veins. Only remove the bandage at a medical facility, as the pressure release will cause a rapid flow of venom through the bloodstream.
  • DO NOT allow the victim to walk or move their limbs. Use a splint or sling to minimize all limb movement. Place the patient on a stretcher or transport the patient.
  • If bitten by a snake, seek medical help immediately as the venom can cause serious health damage or even death within a few hours. If you have a telephone signal, call 911 or emergency service in your country and report the type of venomous snake and the area of ​​the bite to help rescuers identify the type of treatment to administer as quickly as possible.
  • If you are walking in an area where you suspect there are snakes, use your hiking poles to move the bushes in front of you; noise pushes them away while allowing you to visualize danger ahead of time.

In Mexico City, curiously there are poisonous rattlesnakes since it is excellently native to all of North America. Among the various species reported are: black-tailed rattlesnake (crotalus molossus).

In the Ajusco National Park or in the Desert of the Lions a transvolcanic rattlesnakecrotalus triseratius). In Xochimilco and even in the Tláhuac metro the Ocellated Rattlesnake (crotalus polystictus). In the case of the rattlesnake, it is very easy to recognize it by the rattle that sounds like a threat or alarm when approaching it.

There are also other snakes with the coral or coral snake, which due to its striking color, like other species of poisonous reptiles; they alert about its venosity.

While it is true that it is worth taking a walk in the open air and hiking is an activity to enjoy each beautiful landscape, it is necessary to be careful and above all not to disturb the wildlife. We are only visitors in your ecosystem.

What you should carry in your first aid kit when hiking

When dealing with snake bites, it is important to have an adequate first aid kit to provide immediate treatment. Below are the essential items you should include in a first aid kit when hiking:

1. Disposable gloves: Use latex or vinyl gloves before administering any type of medical care to avoid contamination of the wound.

2. Antiseptic: Disinfect the wound with an antiseptic, such as povidone-iodine or chlorhexidine, to prevent infection.

3. Sterile compresses: Use sterile compresses to cover the wound and control bleeding.

4. Bandages: Have a variety of bandages, such as adhesive dressings, gauze bandages, and elastic bandages, to immobilize the affected area and protect it from external contaminants.

5. Tweezers: Have sterile forceps on hand to remove any foreign objects that may be left in the wound.

6. Analgesics: Include over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, to relieve pain caused by the bite.

7. Emergency number: Keep the emergency medical number handy so you can call quickly in the event of a snake bite.

Frequently asked questions from our readers:

The most searched answer by users online on how to treat snake bites while hiking is: “If you are bitten by a snake while hiking, it is important to stay calm and seek medical help immediately. Meanwhile, the bite area should be kept immobilized and below the level of the heart, avoid suctioning or cutting the wound, and do not apply ice or any type of home remedy. Additionally, it is essential to try to identify the snake to provide this information to medical personnel and receive the appropriate antivenom if necessary.” Read more here: https://www.equilibriumx.com/tips/senderismo-en-area-de-serpientes-aprende-como-tratar-mordeduras
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Last modified: March 22, 2024