Introduction

Snake is the friend of mankind; generally most of us do not believe this. The reason behind this is misconceptions and fear of getting bitten by snakes. As we are scared of snakes, they are also scared of us. Generally they sneak in through our house in search of foods where rodent; frogs are comforting themselves in the house. The snake maintains the chain of our ecosystem.

Only a few species are venomous and it is not difficult to know about these snakes. There are over 2900 species of snakes in the world. Snakes can be found on every continent (with the exception of Antarctica), dwelling in the sea and as high as 16,000 feet in the Himalayan mountains. In India 216 species are found out of which 68 species are venomous.

Snake bites are common in India. More than 60,000 people die of snake bites every year. This is a surprising figure. To prevent poisonous affect of snake bite, identification of poisonous snake in the era is important. Venomous snake has got two specialized teeth in its upper jaw to deliver venom into its prey. Ventral scale of a poisonous snake extends right across the belly. In a non venomous snake there are multiple small teeth instead of fangs and its ventral scale does not extend across the belly.

Classification of venomous snake

1. Elapidae-Cobra, Krait, Coral snake.
2. Viperadae-true viper and Crotaline( pit viper)
3. Hydrophidae –sea snake.

Some of the important features of common venomous snake

• Head triangular shape covered with small scale-viper.
• Pit between eye and nose-pit viper.
• Head has shield-Krait.
• Hood which opens out when irritated-Cobra.
• Prominent central row of scale on the back-Krait.
• Flat fin like tail-Sea snake.

Snake venom and its lethal dose

Snake venom is secreted by salivary glands. The orifice of the glands is above the tip of sharp fangs. Systemic absorption of venom generally occurs via lymphatic.

The experience says that maximum snake bite is occurred in the evening and at night and foots and legs are most affected body parts. This knowledge may help us to protect ourselves from snake bite.

Diagnosis in case of a snake bite and general features

• Where possible identify the snake responsible.
• Determine if any traditional medicines have been used, they can sometimes cause confusing symptoms.
• Bite marks are no use in identifying, a specie a venomous or not. Many non venomous species leave just two fang like marks like Wolf snake. Some species like the Krait may leave no marks and many venomous species have more than two fangs. So don’t underestimate seeing the bite mark.
• Determine the exact time of the bite. This can give indications as to the progression of any symptoms.
• Ask questions as to what the victim was doing at the time of bite. Some activities such as grass cutting or feeding stock animals in the evening can be suggestive of snake bite.

Early clues that a patient has serve envenoming

• Snake identified as a very dangerous one.
• Rapid early extension of local swelling from the site of the bite.
• Early tender enlargement of local lymph nodes indicating spread of venom in the lymphatic system.
• Early systemic symptoms: collapse, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or severe headache etc.
• Early spontaneous systemic bleeding.
• Passage of dark brown urine.

Recommended first aid methods

• Reassure the victim who may be very anxious which may result in nausea, vomiting and cold clammy skin.
• Immobilize the bitten limb with a splint or sling( any movement or muscular contraction increases absorption of venom into the bloodstream ).
• Consider pressure-immobilization for some bites.
• Tight tourniquets are not recommended.

Measures to prevent snake bite

1. Wear high boots and long pants in places; where you suspect the presence of snake.
2. Use a stick and tap the ground if you suspect the presence of snake.
3. Always carry a torch while moving in dark area.
4. Clean the area to unattractive the snake for their food recourses.
5. Remove hiding cover for snakes near home, including piles of boards or wood, rock or bricks.
6. Check all around cement walks and fill the holes if any that might provide access to snakes for shelter.
7. Use some protective chemicals like bleaching powder, Carbolic acid which may discourage their movements.
8. These chemicals are poisonous so keep away from children at home.