Re: [OM] [OT]WAS ALERT, NOW Snake Identification

[O.C]

At 02:46 PM Friday 13/07/2001, you wrote:
> What is the bite treatment in the US? From what I've heard it is very
> different to Australia.
The recommendation for snake bites is to wrap lightly but firmly the 
affected limb with material or gauze. The venom spreads into the 
circulation via the lymphatic system which is very superficial in the 
subcutaneous tissues. This treatment is able to limit the spread of venom 
via lymphatics. The common misconception of using a tourniquet to tie off 
the circulation in the mistaken belief it spreads via the circulating blood 
is wrong. So is the practice of cutting into the wound and sucking out the 
venom. The venom has proteolytic enzymes that ensure a very quick 
penetration into the tissues so that attempting to suck venom from the 
wound is futile.
Oben


< This message was delivered via the Olympus Mailing List >
< For questions, mailto:owner-olympus@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx >
< Web Page: http://Zuiko.sls.bc.ca/swright/olympuslist.html >