Among the snakes in Moscow and the Moscow region, the most common are snakes and vipers. It is also rare to find copper heads in the Moscow region. At the same time, the bite of snakes and copperheads is practically safe for humans – snakes are not poisonous. But a venomous viper bite can lead to dangerous complications. Nina Zubova, surgeon at the Hemotest Laboratory, told socialbites.ca about this.
According to the expert, snakes mostly prefer to be closer to the water, they can be seen on the banks of reservoirs. When meeting a person, these reptiles often pretend to be dead, but sometimes they bite. It hisses and squirms before launching.
“Like other non-venomous snakes, scratches remain on the body from a snake’s bite. This is not fatal. The bite site should be treated with an antiseptic or washed with warm water and soap so that germs do not enter the wound. It is enough to apply a dry bandage from above. It is useful to have a tetanus vaccine for protection,” the surgeon advised.
As for the viper, these snakes are active from early spring to late autumn. They prefer shady, moist and marshy places.
“In the forest, you can accidentally step on it in the thickets of grass, in the garden and in the summer cottage – in the shed of firewood, you can stumble across piled bricks and boards. The snake does not particularly attack large animals and people, but will bite if you pick it up, step on it or sit on it. The viper, ready for an attack, curls up like a ball, hisses and rushes to the victim, ”warned Nina Zubova.
The expert noted that after the bites of all venomous snakes, two nearby red spots remained on the body. Instantly, a sharp pain occurs at the site of the bite, but the wound does not bleed. Gradually, the pain intensifies, swelling, cyanosis, red streaks appear under the skin.
“Viper venom has a hemolytic effect – it destroys red blood cells, affects blood clotting and can trigger the formation of blood clots. Within 48 hours after the bite, fever rises, blood pressure drops, lymph nodes become inflamed, nausea and vomiting may begin, and heart rate increases. Generally, viper stings are not fatal, and symptoms resolve within 7 to 14 days. However, it is necessary to consult a doctor as soon as possible in order to give first aid to the bitten person and to prevent possible complications.
He recommended that the person not be allowed to move immediately after being bitten – this slows the spread of the venom. In addition, the victim should be laid so that the bite is below the level of the heart. For example, offer to hang his leg if the snake bit him there.
“In no case should a tourniquet be applied – then ulcers appear at the site of the bite, and the tissues die faster. You should not try to clean the wound by cutting it: this greatly increases the risk of blood poisoning. Trying to neutralize toxins with alcohol is useless and even dangerous. The most logical thing is to call an ambulance as soon as possible or take the person to the nearest hospital or emergency room. The wound should also be treated with an antiseptic or soapy water and a clean, loose bandage applied,” the surgeon advised.
In addition, jewelry, shoes and tight clothing should be removed from the victim immediately after the bite. For example, if a snake bit your hand, you need to remove rings, bracelets, watches. If on the leg – shoes and tight pants.
“When the injured limb begins to swell, it is important that nothing compresses it. Before the medical team arrives or when going to the doctor, the casualty should be given room temperature water. You should drink it in small sips. If possible, give the victim an antihistamine and pain reliever. But these are only emergency measures, they do not eliminate the need for qualified medical care, ”the expert Zubova concluded.
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