What to do if bitten by a snake: is it possible to suck out the poison and apply a tourniquet? Remember: what to do if bitten by a snake. Symptoms of a Central Asian cobra bite. What determines the severity of the bite?

In nature, it happens that a snake suddenly stings itself or begins to swallow its own tail. There are also cases of cannibalism and eating the offspring. Let's try to figure out whether these reptiles are really so stupid that they eat themselves.

What happens if a snake bites itself

Having bitten itself on the tail, the snake usually does not suffer any harm, except for blood loss. Poisonous species rarely die from such bites, since they are not susceptible to their own toxin.

This rule also applies within the same species, that is, snakes have developed immunity to the toxin of animals with a similar composition.
Moreover, some non-poisonous species are able to protect themselves from the poison of dangerous reptiles that live with them in the same ecological niche. For example, king snakes are immune to all poisons from their snake neighbors. It is known that king snake It even feeds on rattlesnake reptiles. The situation is similar with a viper: if it is bitten by another viper, the first one may die from injury, but not from the toxin. But if a viper bites black Mamba - death inevitable. IN in some cases deaths were recorded, but they can be considered exceptions.

Important! To prevent fights between reptiles, feed them individually in separate aquariums. If two individuals have the same food preferences, then the first, sensing the aroma of a favorite delicacy on the second, can attack it.

Why do snakes eat themselves?

Reptiles attack not only in the process of obtaining food, but also in defense. And sometimes they inadvertently bite themselves - for example, missing when attacking a potential victim. U this phenomenon there are several reasons.

Attractive prey scent

Snakes rely entirely on their sense of smell. They turn into completely uncontrollable creatures when they smell the aroma of food. If, during the process of feeding in a snake nursery, the tail of the animal becomes soiled with food, the reptile may mistake its tail for prey.

Similar situations occur in conditions wildlife: if a mouse runs along the tail of a reptile, the snake will first of all react to the aroma, it will enter a state of strong excitement, and it will mistake itself for a food object.
Sometimes “self-criticism” is a manifestation of some kind of brain pathology: the animal can be discoordinated in space (it sees real prey, rushes at it, but hits it a little to the side and injures itself).

Important! Always lower food into the snake's home using long tweezers. Even submissive individuals can become insane if they smell food.

Eating offspring as a source of energy

There is also an explanation for eating one's own offspring. During the period of courtship, the female is very weak to hunt. To restore vitality, she has to eat her own offspring. The reptile eats the cubs that did not survive, as well as some of the individuals that died in the egg. Sometimes live baby snakes are caught, but they did not manage to crawl away from their mother in time. It has been established that snakes on average eat up to 11% of their offspring.

The history of snake self-eating from ancient times

The tendency towards “self-criticism” among snakes was noticed by our ancestors. Egyptian archaeologists discovered ancient drawing- a coiled reptile holding its own tail in its mouth. The creature depicted in the figure is called ouroboros and stands on a par with the most ancient symbols of humanity.
The specific date and place of origin of the image of the suicidal snake could not be determined, but it is known that the drawing is at least 1600 years old. Let's try to compare a number of ancient works and interpret the meaning of this archaic sign.

September 9th, 2014

The following information can be found on the Internet:

Snakes are immune to their own venom. “Yes, a snake can bite its own tail - this happens when feeding, fixing, and so on - but there will be no consequences other than bleeding,” says Dmitry Vasiliev, leading herpetologist at the Moscow Zoo. — Snakes die from the poison itself extremely rarely. In my practice, this happened only once, and American colleagues told about two more cases.” The rule works within one species: if a viper bites a viper, if it dies, it will most likely be from injury rather than from poison. But if a black mamba gets bitten by a viper, it is unlikely to survive.

What then do we see in the gif? By the way, here is a video of this incident under the cut, and let’s continue this topic...

Obviously, after biting itself, the snake feels very bad. And this is what we find to confirm:

“...And, first of all, snakes are immune to snake venom. True, not all. And even moreover, there are cases where snakes seriously suffered from their own poison!
So, in 2002, a large female cobra Naja annulifera almost died from necrosis as a result of a self-bite. And this was precisely the result of the action of his own poison. But this is a rare case - usually vipers and asps can calmly bite themselves, nothing will happen to them. Although, there are quite a few detailed studies of “self-immunity” ... "

Animal neurotoxins are the most lethal weapon nature. Almost all animals, with the exception of cobras themselves, die within minutes of a cobra bite after the venom enters the bloodstream. Neurotoxins attach to muscle receptors, preventing nerve signals from causing muscle contractions– which leads to respiratory arrest and death. However, vipers' bloodstream contains molecules that neutralize the deadly components of their own venom. This single difference introduces a bulky sugar molecule into the cobra receptor. Sugar masks the attachment site on the surface of the receptor - preventing the neurotoxin from attaching. If you remove the sugar, the cobra will become sensitive to its own poison, like other animals.

By the way, here's humor at the expense of the poor snake :-)

However, one of the opinions was that the snake heart attack(where it was, it seems in one of the versions posted on YouTube someone put forward such a hypothesis)

Another famous GIF:

or here's another story:

Sam from Huntsville, Alabama, filmed and posted online amazing video, in which the head of a snake, freshly cut off from its body, bites its own tail.

The man said that he killed the snake because it crawled into the woodpile and threatened the life of his son.

This, by the way, is not the first time that a headless snake continues to live for some time. In 2007, in Washington, a snake's head, separated from the rest of its body, lunged at a man and bit her. The 53-year-old American was taken to the hospital, where they managed to administer the antidote.

Let's remember this case:

Chef Peng Fan, from Foshan in the southern Chinese province of Canton, prepared a special dish of Indochinese collared cobra, which is considered a rare and exquisite delicacy. He was about to throw the snake's head, which he had cut off twenty minutes ago, into the trash can, when she (the head!) bit his hand, injecting her deadly neurotoxic venom. The final revenge: the severed head of the snake in a post-mortem reflex rage opens its mouth to bite, exactly like the one that killed Peng Fan. The snake was cut up on a cutting table to make soup, a dish considered a special delicacy in Canton and highly sought after in expensive restaurants. One of the visitors, forty-four-year-old Liin Sun, who was in the restaurant with his wife at the time, says: “We were having dinner in this establishment on the occasion of my wife’s birthday at the moment when the fuss and noise began.

We didn't know what exactly was happening, we just heard screams coming from the kitchen. The restaurant staff called a doctor, but unfortunately, when medical help arrived, the man was already dead. After we found out about this, the party, of course, immediately ended.” Police confirmed that Peng's death occurred before he could be given the antidote in hospital. Victims of Indochinese collared snake bites usually die from asphyxiation caused by the neurotoxin that paralyzes them respiratory system. Representative law enforcement later stated: "It's very unusual case. So fast fatal outcome, as it seems to us, is associated with an aggravated reaction to snake venom. It was most likely impossible to save him. Only an injection of antidote given on time could help him, but this, alas, did not happen. This was not the first time he had prepared a cobra dish, and this time he was simply unlucky. In a word, a tragic coincidence.” Snake expert Yang Hong-chan, who has spent forty years studying cobras, says the reptiles can show signs of life within an hour of losing parts or even their entire body. “It is quite likely that the head remained alive and caused fatal bite Pengu.

By this time, the snake was biologically dead, since the main functions of its body had been lost, but it was still able to perform some reflex actions. Thus, snakes retain the ability to bite and secrete venom even after decapitation.” The cook prepares to behead the snake. The usual habitat of the Indochinese collared cobra is Southeast Asia, including Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos and Burma. Their meat enjoys in great demand as a delicacy, and the leather is used to make expensive designer accessories, the trade of which undoubtedly has an impact big influence to the disappearance of the population of these “defenseless” creatures. Residents of the province of Canton have long valued the meat of snakes of all types, from which many local dishes are prepared. For centuries, the most common of these is snake soup, snake meat is also used in Chinese medicine, since some rare properties are attributed to it. healing properties. This all reminds us of the common phrase, “what doesn’t kill us makes us stronger.” By analogy, the more poisonous a delicacy is, the healthier it is to eat. One of local residents says “Snake meat is really very good for us. It is not easy to obtain and is very expensive, but it provides enormous health benefits. I've never heard of someone dying from a bite in my life. dead snake, especially in the kitchen."

Well, here’s another case for your attention. The snake eats itself: DO NOT LOOK AT THE IMPRESSIONAL! Although you have already seen a lot of things here :-)

and this is not the only case:

Ouroboros, as one of the most ancient symbols, was used in both the Old and New Worlds. It is also found in a number of esoteric texts relating to Gnosticism and alchemy. The most common interpretation of the symbol describes it as a representation of eternity and infinity, in particular the cyclical nature of life: the alternation of creation and destruction, life and death, constant rebirth and death.

In German-Scandinavian mythology, Jormungandr, also called the "Midgard Serpent", takes the form of ouroboros. In the teachings of Christian Gnostics, ouroboros was a reflection of the finitude of the material world.
In archetype theory, the Ouroboros is a symbol suggesting darkness and self-destruction at the same time as fertility and creative potency.

Although the symbol has many different meanings, the most common interpretation describes it as a representation of eternity and infinity, especially the cyclical nature of life: alternation of creation and destruction, life and death, constant rebirth and death. The Ouroboros symbol has rich history used in religion, magic, alchemy, mythology and psychology. One of its analogues is the swastika - both of these ancient symbols mean the movement of space.

It is believed that in Western culture this symbol came from Ancient Egypt, where the first images of a coiled snake are dated to the period between 1600 and 1100 BC. e.; they represented eternity and the universe, as well as the cycle of death and rebirth. A number of historians believe that it was from Egypt that the Ouroboros symbol migrated to Ancient Greece, where it began to be used to denote processes that have no beginning and end. However, it is difficult to accurately establish the origin of this image, since its close analogues are also found in the cultures of Scandinavia, India, China and Greece.

The symbol of a coiled snake is found in implicit form in Mesoamerica, particularly among the Aztecs. Despite the fact that snakes played a significant role in their mythology, the question of a direct connection between the pantheon of Aztec gods and Ouroboros remains open among historians - so, without any detailed comments, B. Rosen calls Quetzalcoatl, and M. Lopez - Coatlicue.

Interest in ouroboros has persisted for many centuries - in particular, it plays a prominent role in the teachings of the Gnostics, and is also important element(in a metaphorical sense) the craft of medieval alchemists, symbolizing the transformation of elements into the philosopher's stone required to transform metals into gold, and also personifying chaos in the mythological sense of the term.

IN modern times Swiss psychoanalyst C. G. Jung put a new meaning into the symbol of ouroboros. Thus, in orthodox analytical psychology, the Ouroboros archetype symbolizes darkness and self-destruction at the same time as fertility and creative potency. Further research into this archetype was most reflected in the works of the Jungian psychoanalyst Erich Neumann, who identified ouroboros as an early stage of personality development.

[InfoGlaz.rf Link to the article from which this copy was made -

Snakes are the most peculiar creatures on the planet. They amaze people with their appearance, in an original way movement. This causes increased human interest in this species. When studying snakes, we must not forget that many of their species are poisonous. What to do if you are bitten by a snake and how to provide first aid, read the article.

Snake venom

Some reptiles of this species have parotid glands that secrete poison. With the help of ducts, they connect through channels with two upper teeth. When a snake bites a person, the venom enters the bloodstream and causes severe poisoning, often leading to death. The question arises, what should you do if you are bitten by a snake? Provide first aid immediately. But there is no need to kill snakes, since they are a source of poison necessary for making medicine.

The degree of poisoning from snake venom primarily depends on its dose, concentration and location of penetration. Therefore, the consequences are different. Great importance has a person’s age and state of health. The most dangerous are bites to the head and torso. If the venom from a bite immediately enters a vessel with blood, a person can die in five to ten minutes. for example, it is twice as dangerous if administered intramuscularly than subcutaneously. What should you do if you are bitten by a snake? Urgently, without wasting a minute, provide first aid. How to do this, read the article.

When can a snake bite?

For example, he does not take active steps to attack. This happens when a person steps on it, tries to touch it with their hands, or accidentally falls into its nest. In this case, there is a justification for her attack: she is defending her territory. To avoid it you need to be extremely careful in its habitats.

The snake is deaf, but it perfectly senses the slightest vibration of the ground on which a person walks. She won't come closer, she'll just crawl away. The greatest likelihood of meeting a viper is in mushroom season. To prevent this from happening, you need to take any stick and tap it on the ground in front of you.

Symptoms of poisoning

• Bite marks are noticeable - two wounds with a triangular shape.
• There is pain and a burning sensation.
• Redness of the tissues around the bite.
• Swelling that spreads quickly.

• Hemorrhages.
• Weakness throughout the body.
• My head is spinning.
• Pallor of the skin, nausea and vomiting of blood appear.
• Body temperature rises to forty degrees.

Signs of severe poisoning

In severe poisoning, hemorrhages spread in spots beyond the bite site. The affected area of ​​the body becomes purple-bluish in color, and the skin becomes covered with blisters filled with bloody, cloudy fluid. Often the victim’s condition is complicated by the occurrence of venous thrombosis and lymphadenitis. This can occur 8-36 hours after a snake bite, when the poison penetrates the human body. In this case, there is a strong increase in the volume of the affected area. Wounds for a long time bleed, and later ulcers and necrosis form. What to do when bitten to avoid negative consequences? First of all, it is correct to provide assistance and urgently take the victim to the hospital.

What to do if you are bitten by a snake?

• First aid to the victim should be provided by a person who knows how to do it. Wrong actions can cause harm.
• It is extremely rare, but it happens that a snake, for example a viper, grabs tightly and does not want to let go. It must be torn from the skin by force.
• What should you do if you are bitten by a snake? Before the wound begins to heal, you can suck out the poison. Only a person should not have any wounds in his mouth, otherwise he will poison himself.
• What to do if you are bitten by a snake? First aid is provided in order to prevent the spread of poison throughout the body, so the victim needs to be kept at rest and not moved from place to place.
• Apply a compressive bandage to the bite site, but do not apply a tourniquet above or below it.

• What to do if you are bitten by a snake if it is on your arm or leg? First of all, it is necessary to remove everything that is worn on the limbs. The poison always causes significant swelling; all jewelry and hygiene items will interfere with blood circulation, which can lead to gangrene.
• What should you do if you are bitten by a snake? If you have it on hand, take an allergy pill.
• To quickly remove poison from the body, the victim needs to drink at least three liters of water or a little sweetened tea. You need to drink the liquid in small sips.

What not to do?

• The most dangerous and common mistake when providing first aid to a victim is the use of a tourniquet, which is applied to an arm or leg. This will not help the spread of the poison, since it is more aggressive and will still penetrate the body. But the bitten area will suffer. The fact is that the poison provokes a process such as tissue necrosis. If a snake bites your leg or arm, the tourniquet can lead to gangrene.
• It is unacceptable to cut the wound; it can cause infection.
• You cannot cauterize the bite site. This will not help, since the viper injects its poison deeply. Cauterization only further traumatizes the bite site.
• Do not drink alcohol, it speeds up the effect of the poison.
• Don't waste your time chasing a snake.

What should you do if you are bitten by a snake? The main thing is to remain calm. Panic will not lead to anything good. If a person becomes confused and fear settles in him, he may waste time. You should know that a viper bite is very rarely fatal, even if the victim did not seek medical help.

• There are two thousand six hundred species in nature various snakes. In most cases, they hunt for a moving object. The exception is those snakes that feed on carrion. For example, the snake is ovivorous.
• When they detect danger, spitting species fall on their backs with their mouths open, pretending to be dead. At the same time, they give off a foul odor. This is a kind of protection from attacks by predators. They do not like carrion with a bad smell.
• On the head of a viper, a boa constrictor and a python there is an organ that instantly reacts to any temperature changes, thanks to which snakes hunt well at night.

• It is considered the fastest snake, its movement speed is sixteen kilometers per hour. The coloring does not match the first word of the name. This snake is gray, green or brown in color. It doesn't come black.
• The longest snake on the planet is the Fluffy python, a resident of the Ohio Zoo. Its length is seven meters thirty-one centimeters. This is a representative of the Guinness Book of Records.
• You've probably heard more than once that in Mexico there is a herbivorous snake, whose body is covered with thick hair. Rumor has it that she has long been a pet; children love to play with her. We may disappoint you, but such a snake does not exist, in fact, the herbivorous hairy reptiles are a myth.

Snakes are found everywhere, so it is not surprising that many encounter a snake bite, often in nature, mainly in areas with high vegetation. Therefore, everyone needs knowledge of what a snake bite looks like, the symptoms that appear, and how to provide first aid after a snake bite during an attack.

In more than 65% of all cases, the snake bites in the lower extremities. You are walking in the tall grass and suddenly feel a strong prick in your leg. Did you just get caught on a thorn or is it a snake bite?

So what does a snake bite look like on the human body? Regardless of how the snake bites, in the leg, arm or other part of the body, one or two small triangular punctures from the snake’s teeth are visible on the skin. They are located at a short distance parallel to each other. A snake bite hardly bleeds, or only a small amount of blood appears. Redness is visible around the dots.

Symptoms of a snake bite

• Manifestation of moderates pain at the site of skin lesions;
• burning sensation;
• after a short period of time, a maximum of half an hour, swelling appears on the skin in the place where the snake bit;
• Body temperature drops, dizziness appears, makes you sleepy, nausea and increased heart rate bother you.

Based on the area of ​​localization, symptoms can be divided into several groups.

1. The immediate location of the bite: redness, the appearance of wounds, swelling and hematomas.
2. Cardiovascular system: increased heart rate, pain in the chest area, breathing problems, decreased blood pressure.
3. Nervous system: headache, development of dizziness, numbness of the facial muscles and body area at the site of injury, clouded consciousness, general weakness, blurred vision.
4. General condition: vomiting with bloody discharge, upset stomach, fever.

Symptoms of a poisonous snake bite

After poison enters the body, the victim may develop certain symptoms, the type and degree of manifestation of which depends on the type of reptile.

Common viper. In the area of ​​a possible bite, one or two punctures are clearly visible. A strong burning sensation and pain appears on the skin at the site of injury. After a maximum of half an hour, significant swelling and redness appears. The skin at the site where the snake bite occurred becomes bluish-purple. Body temperature decreases. Nausea and dizziness begin to bother you, and the victim becomes drowsy. With severe intoxication, weakness and pallor are added to these symptoms. The limbs are cold. Consciousness is confused, fever and shortness of breath appear. A person may lose consciousness and develop kidney failure.

Central Asian cobra. The bite is accompanied by acute, burning pain. Relief comes only after a few hours. There is slight swelling around the wounds, from which fluid may ooze. The skin is clean, without changing the natural color. Depending on which limb the bite occurred on, its functionality is impaired. It is possible to develop paralysis in an ascending line relative to the site of the bite. The eyelids and lower jaw begin to droop involuntarily. There is a disturbance in the movement of the eyeballs. This is caused by damage to the facial muscles. General intoxication develops almost at lightning speed. The victim is worried about weakness and anxiety. The danger of a snake bite manifests itself in difficulty breathing, and it becomes difficult for a person to swallow. The secretion of saliva increases, nausea bothers you, and vomiting may occur. Speech is unrelated, often a person simply opens his mouth, but the sound of the words is inaudible. A reaction to a snake bite may include involuntary urination and emptying of the stomach.

Depending on the strength of the bite and the amount of poison that has entered the blood, as well as due to untimely first aid, the victim may die in as soon as possible(30 minutes-7 hours). IN in rare cases the period takes more than a day.

First aid for a snake bite

How to provide first aid for a snake bite? What should you do first? The main thing is not to panic and be able to coordinate your actions. If a non-venomous snake bites a person, it is necessary to thoroughly wash the wound to reduce the amount of dirt that gets into the wound with the reptile’s dirty teeth. You must try to prevent water from getting into the wounds.

Provide first aid for a snake bite as soon as possible. No later than 20 minutes from the moment of the bite, treat the wound with an antiseptic solution (potassium permanganate, iodine, etc.), avoiding contact with the affected areas. Cooling the injured area will help relieve swelling. Ice, a dampened napkin, or a bottle filled with liquid are suitable for this. Bandage the bite site to avoid infection.

The thing is that first aid for a snake bite is one of the decisive factors in preserving human life. If severe pain occurs, first aid If you are bitten by a snake, take painkillers medicines. People suffering from allergies will need emergency help for a snake bite. They primarily need antihistamines. Even a bite non-venomous snake will provoke complications in an allergy sufferer.

First aid for poisonous snake bites

In terms of the degree of intoxication, snake venom is superior to insect bites and, accordingly, the first aid provided may vary significantly.

1. Place the victim on a horizontal surface lying down. The poison spreads through the blood more slowly if a person is in a horizontal position.
2. Contact the medical staff at your nearest facility as soon as possible. Do not leave the victim alone. If there is no pain, burning, or swelling on the skin at the site of the bite, most likely the snake was non-venomous.
3. Free the affected part from clothing, jewelry, and any objects that interfere with the outflow of blood when swelling develops.

It is necessary before the arrival of doctors:

• immobilize the affected limb (the ideal option is a loose bandage, splint, etc.);
• suck out the poison from the wound (carry out the procedure no later than 10 minutes after the bite). In 20 minutes, more than half of the poison that gets into it is removed from bite wounds. Don't do this with your mouth. Extra microbes will get into the wound, and through damage to the oral mucosa, the poison penetrates into the blood of the person providing first aid. medical care when bitten poisonous snakes.;
• treat the wounds with a disinfectant solution (hydrogen peroxide, brilliant green). It is strictly forbidden to treat with alcohol. Its use provokes increased blood circulation and, as a result, rapid spread of poison;
• limit the possibility of infection entering the wound by applying a sterile bandage (it should not compress the limb. A finger can pass freely between the material and the skin);
• cool down skin using ice (take breaks as often as possible to avoid tissue frostbite);
• use antihistamines and glucocorticosteroids. Perfect option administer them intramuscularly;
• the victim should drink as much fluid as possible (up to 5 liters per day). Allows you to reduce intoxication of the body.
  If breathing is impaired, use a tampon soaked in ammonia to relieve the condition. ;
• with the rapid development of problems with breathing and heart function, stimulants are introduced;
• If breathing is completely absent and the activity of the cardiovascular system is not observed, artificial respiration is performed and indirect massage hearts.

What not to do after a snake bite

1. The damaged area cannot be cut crosswise or completely cut out. Additional damage will lead to infections. Possible damage to veins or tendons.
2. Do not burn the damaged area with hot objects or chemicals. The thing is that poisonous teeth penetrate deep into the muscle tissue and this effect will not give the desired result. Subsequently, scabs form, under which suppuration develops.
3. Under no circumstances should you overstretch an injured limb. Application of a tourniquet will cause gangrenous phenomena, which increases the risk of death.
4. Do not give the victim alcohol for internal use or treat the bite site with it. Alcoholic drinks are not an antidote. Its penetration into the blood only enhances the effect of the poison on the body and complicates its elimination.
5. It is not recommended to insulate the affected area. This will only contribute to the rapid spread of the poison.
6. Do not apply ice to the wound for a long time.
7. Do not subject the person to physical stress.

What not to do if bitten by a poisonous snake

• Application of tourniquets is prohibited. This can be explained by the fact that a sudden disruption of blood circulation can provoke tissue damage and increase intoxication of the human body;
• do not cut the wound to remove the poison. There is a possibility of secondary infection, penetration of poison into the vessels circulatory system. Deep cuts can cause damage to blood vessels and nerves responsible for the vital functions of the body;
• do not burn the bites;
• Do not allow the victim to drink drinks containing alcohol.

Treatment

Treatment snake bites It is not easy to provide timely first aid to the victim and subsequent manipulations in the hospital, after passing all the necessary tests ( general analysis blood, urine, etc.). The necessary effect in the treatment of poisonous snake bites can be achieved by administering antitoxic serums, the main component of which is horse saliva. The initial dose of antivenom for a bite depends on the severity of the injury. However, it is worth considering that this product can cause allergies. The administration of the antidote is carried out under the strict supervision of doctors, observation in the hospital for at least 12 hours.

For example, anti-viper serum effectively neutralizes the venom of vipers and some other types of poisonous snakes.

Preventive measures to prevent snake bites

Prevention that allows you to protect yourself as much as possible from snake bites includes a number of actions:

• do not shout at the snake, do not stomp, do not wave your arms. By doing this you can only provoke her to attack. Let her crawl away;
• When walking through forests and swampy areas, avoid visiting areas with dense vegetation;
• cover your body as much as possible: high boot tops and thick clothing fabric will create maximum protection;
• When moving through the forest, tap a stick in front of you. When picking small berries from bushes, run a stick along it and, if after a few minutes there is no noticeable movement, proceed to picking;
• When staying overnight in nature, before going to bed, carefully check your tents and sleeping bags for the presence of unwanted guests. Carefully close the entrance to the tent.

If the measures did not help and the snake attacked you, provide first aid, taking into account the requirements of what should not be done if a snake bites you.

Consequences for humans

Poisons, based on the type of effect on the human body, can be divided into two main groups: hemotoxic and neurotoxic. Their effect on the endothelial cells of the capillaries provokes sweating of plasma and red blood cells.

The consequences of snake bites will be complicated by the occurrence of secondary infection or compartment syndrome, and preventive medical interventions can cause significant harm due to the possibility of developing allergic reactions to serum components.

Clinical consequences range from a mild local reaction to a threat to human life. The risk of developing complications from a snake bite and the degree of their severity depends on:

• type and size of the individual;
• location of damage;
• the amount of toxin penetrated;
• age, weight and health status of the person.

The most likely death is from a snake bite in children. This occurs due to the high degree of intoxication, since the poison spreads faster in the child’s body.

Systemic reactions of the body manifest themselves as:

• hemostasis disorders;
• acute renal failure;
• neurotoxic damage with local numbness;
• pain, swelling;
• cranial nerve palsy;
• cardiac dysfunction;
• respiratory arrest;
• in a state of shock.

Many of us like to spend free time active: organize hikes in the forest with an overnight stay, go to conquer mountains, swim in reservoirs. Leisure gives not only unforgettable emotions and meeting with beautiful scenery, danger may await a person - vipers, which are also part of nature. Are you ready to meet them?

General information about the viper

The viper family includes 58 species. Snakes live in Europe, Asia and Africa. All representatives of the viper family are poisonous and dangerous to humans. They mainly lead a terrestrial lifestyle. The exceptions are:

Most numerous the following types vipers:

• steppe viper. The top of the snake is brown-gray in color, with a dark stripe running along the body. Lives in the steppes. The snake is small, has short fangs, and injects a small amount of venom into the victim. No deaths have been recorded after being bitten by this viper. Lives in the steppes Western Europe, in the forest-steppe regions of southern Russia, in the Caucasus, found in Crimea;
• Caucasian viper. Distinctive feature- bright color. Color varies from yellowish-orange to brick red. The snake is not large, rarely grows to 60 cm in length. Only isolated cases of death from its bite are known. Distributed in the regions of the Western Caucasus and Transcaucasia, found in Eastern Turkey. In the northern direction it lives on the territory of the Krasnodar Territory;
• long-nosed viper. It got its name due to the presence of a soft spike at the tip of its muzzle, shaped like a nose. It lives in the northeast of Italy, in the countries of the Balkan Peninsula, in Yugoslavia, Romania, in the regions of Asia Minor, in the mountains of Armenia and Georgia;
• noisy viper. The snake is large, with a thick body, reaching 1.5 meters in length. When an enemy is close, it emits a very loud hissing sound. The probability of death from a bite is 15–20%. Distributed throughout Africa;
• Gaboon viper. It has a thick body and grows up to 2 meters in length. The color of the snake is variegated and spectacular. The different colors form a clear geometric pattern on the surface of the snake. The snake is very calm and rarely attacks people. However, the bite of this viper almost always ends in the death of the victim: the snake has long fangs, which leads to the rapid penetration of poison into the body. Lives in Liberia, South Sudan, Angola;
• common viper. It comes in gray and brown colors, with a dark stripe visible along the body. Fatalities after being bitten by this snake are rare. Distributed throughout Eurasia.

Photo gallery: representatives of the viper family

The common viper has a simple coloration. Various colors form on the back Gaboon viper geometric pattern The Caucasian viper is brightly colored The snake has a powerful and thick body The steppe viper is a small snake The soft spike at the tip of the viper’s muzzle is similar to the nose

Viper ordinary people often mistaken for a snake. External signs snake, distinguishing it from a viper:

• there is no dark stripe along the ridge;
• uniform coloring;
• Below the head is a yellow collar.

The snake's distinctive feature is its bright yellow collar.

Unlike the viper, it is not poisonous.

The common viper can be found in many places:

• on forest edges;
• in the forest and spruce forest;
• V mixed forest with abundant grass cover;
• in the forest-steppe zone;
• on the banks of rivers and lakes;
• in the meadows;
• in rural gardens.

In summer, snakes make their nests in abandoned burrows of other animals, among large stones, under haystacks, and in rotten stumps. They can be forced to leave their home either by human intervention or by lack of food. Snakes hunt at night: they catch small rodents and birds. During the day they sleep in the nest or crawl out to bask in the sun, lying on paths, stumps, and stones. In winter they hibernate, which ends at the end of April.

Why does a snake bite a person?

The snake has no reason to attack. The viper is not aggressive and, when it encounters a person, crawls away. A snake bites if it feels threatened - this happens when a person accidentally steps on it or invades its habitat. Vipers live in groups, choosing places suitable for wintering. In such areas, the number of snakes can exceed 90 individuals per 1 hectare. When entering places where vipers accumulate, a person is exposed to increased danger.

Vipers hibernate in groups

Feeling a threat, the viper first hisses, rises above the ground, and scares the person with threatening throws. If a person makes sudden movements, the snake attacks.

Before attacking, the viper scares the victim

The viper has large fangs in its mouth. The poisonous gland is located above the upper jaw and is connected to it by an arcuate duct. This shape of the duct makes rotation of the jaw possible, while the venom flows to the fangs without obstacles. When bitten, the temporal muscles located near the poisonous glands actively contract; the poison enters the person subcutaneously, intramuscularly or through a vascular canal. Upon penetration into a vessel, it spreads throughout the body instantly. The amount of poison is small, the snake uses it sparingly: it will take a long time to create a new portion.

In the viper's mouth there are two poisonous fangs, which the snake plunges into the victim.

Viper venom belongs to the group of hemovasotoxic poisons that can damage small vessels, destroy red blood cells and impair blood clotting. A snake bite is most dangerous in the spring: the venom contains more toxins than at other times. According to statistics, 1% of victims, most often small children, die from viper bites.

Vipers - excellent swimmers, so you can also find them in the water.

Vipers are excellent swimmers and can travel long distances through water.

Snake bites in water are rare. Vipers settle at a decent distance from the water and end up in it, crossing to the other side. The viper’s maneuverability in water is higher than that of a human; when threatened, the snake will try to swim away quickly.

Symptoms of a viper bite

The severity of symptoms from a viper bite depends on factors:

• body weight of the victim. The less a person weighs, the more pronounced the symptoms after a bite. Therefore, small children suffer it more severely than adults;
• localization of wounds from snake teeth. Bites in the blood vessel, surface of the head and neck;
• air temperature. At high temperature intoxication of the body occurs more actively;
• amount of poison. A viper bite can occur without injection of poison if the viper has recently sunk its teeth into a person or animal and a new portion of poison has not yet been produced.

Local symptoms:

Common signs of a snake bite:

• weakness throughout the body;
• dizziness;
• headache;
• tachycardia;
• nausea;
• vomit.

If a child is bitten or the venom of a viper gets into a vessel, the symptoms appear quickly and are severe:

• violated motor function bitten limb;
• paralysis spreads to the entire body, affecting the facial muscles;
• breathing becomes intermittent and heavy;
• swallowing function decreases;
• heart function is disrupted;
• uncontrolled urination is observed.

First aid

Actions to take when bitten by a viper:

1. Immediately go to the hospital or call an ambulance.
2. Try to suck out the poison. This action gives results within 10-15 minutes after the snake bite, before swelling appears. The latter indicates that the poison has spread to the surrounding tissues and there is no point in continuing the procedure. The skin around the wound is folded and squeezed so that drops of blood appear. The sucked liquid is immediately spat out. The person sucking out the poison must rinse his mouth with a disinfectant solution after the procedure. If there is no antiseptic, use water to rinse.
3. Treat the bite site with hydrogen peroxide, chlorhexidine or another antiseptic.
4. Immobilize the bitten part of the body: with activity, the spread of poison throughout the body accelerates. If the bite is made in the hand, the limb is fixed in a bent position. If the bite is made in the leg, then it is tied to the second lower limb, and the victim is laid so that the legs are above the level of the pelvis. This pose stabilizes blood circulation.
5. Apply a loose bandage to the wound. Use a bandage or clean cloth.
6. To reduce swelling, periodically apply cold to the wound; the best option is ice. Every 5–7 minutes, the cold is removed from the bite site to avoid frostbite of the limb.
7. The victim needs to drink a lot: about 3 liters of liquid. Use water, juices, soda.
8. If possible, take an antihistamine: Zyrtec, Suprastin, Tavegil, Fenkarol.

Before receiving medical help, it is prohibited:

• use alcohol to treat the wound;
• apply a tourniquet (tight bandage) to the surface of the bite. This will provoke necrosis of the limb;
• cut the wound yourself to release the poison. There is a high probability of infection;
• apply earth or grass to the wound. There is a risk of contracting tetanus;
• the victim should drink alcohol, which increases intoxication of the body and reduces the effect of the anti-snake serum.

Video: how to behave correctly if bitten by a viper

Medical care in hospital

In the hospital, treatment of a viper bite occurs according to a certain scheme:

1. Serum is injected.
2. Infusion of glucose, Ringer's, and sodium chloride solutions is used to eliminate toxins from the body.
3. Diuretics are prescribed (Furosemide, Trifas).
4. The victim is given an antihistamine to take orally or administered intramuscularly, if this is not done before arriving at the hospital.
5. A tetanus vaccination is given regardless of whether the person has been vaccinated regularly or not.
6. Glucocorticoids (Dexamethasone, Prednisol) are prescribed, which have anti-inflammatory and antiallergic effects.
7. To avoid purulent process in the body, antibiotics are used wide range actions (Cefotaxime, Cefepime).
8. For preventive purposes, in order to prevent liver and kidney failure, hepatoprotectors (Berlition, Gepadif) are prescribed.
9. In case of severe intoxication of the body, hemodialysis is performed.
10. For symptoms of heart failure, Cordiamine and Caffeine are used.
11. In case of excessive bleeding, blood transfusions are used.
12. If the victim begins to have convulsions, calcium gluconate is administered intravenously.

When bitten by a viper, Serum is used against the venom of the common viper. It must be administered within a few hours after the snake bite. The serum contains antibodies that can neutralize snake venom. The antidote is based on horse serum. It is important to pay attention to some points:

• The serum is used only for a viper bite; if a person has been injured by other snakes, the antidote will not work. It is also prohibited to administer serums intended to neutralize the venom of other types of snakes when bitten by a viper. Previously, Antigyurza serum was used in hospitals, but its action was not always effective and it caused many side effects;
• The serum must be administered by a doctor. Improper use of antivenom can harm the victim. There is a possibility of anaphylactic shock because of allergic reaction to a foreign protein;
• The serum is administered subcutaneously in a dosage of 0.1 ml. If there is no allergic reaction at the injection site, another 0.25 ml of antidote is injected after 20 minutes. Then, after 15 minutes, the rest of the antidote is used. The doctor selects the required volume of administered serum based on the severity of symptoms;
• if poison intoxication is severe, the antidote is administered intravenously using a dropper.

Diagnosis of a viper bite

The hospital conducts a thorough diagnosis of the patient's condition. The necessary studies are prescribed:

• general blood analysis. Allows you to estimate the number of leukocytes, platelets, red blood cells, hemoglobin level;
• blood chemistry. Helps track performance internal organs. The toxic effects of the venom can affect the functioning of the kidneys and liver. Liver parameters are assessed: bilirubin, ALT (alanine aminotransferase), AST (aspartate aminotransferase), alkaline phosphatase, albumin; kidney indicators: uric acid, creatinine, urea;
• Coagulogram is a test that helps evaluate blood clotting. The prothrombin index (PTI), fibrinogen, thrombosed time and other indicators are determined;
• general urine analysis. Helps track changes in the functioning of the urinary system;
• electrocardiogram. This test monitors abnormalities in the heart;
• chest x-ray. It is done if pulmonary edema is suspected.

Treatment prognosis and possible complications

If an adult is bitten by a viper, but first aid is provided correctly, the victim is quickly taken to the hospital, the prognosis is generally good.

When small children are bitten, the consequences are more severe and death can occur. Before arriving at the hospital, severe intoxication of the body may occur, which leads to liver or kidney failure. Therefore, it is important to get the child to the hospital as quickly as possible.

A pregnant woman has a high risk of intoxication not only of her own body, but also of the fetus. After a snake attack, you should undergo a thorough examination.

If a person refuses medical care after a snake bite, complications may develop:

• tetanus;
• lymphedema;
• phlebothrombosis.

There are bacteria in the viper's mouth, and after a bite there is a possibility of developing tetanus. It can also be caused by soil or dirty grass getting into the wound if hygiene rules are not followed. Symptoms of tetanus:

Tetanus is often fatal.

Lymphedema is a condition in which, due to infection, the outflow of fluid through the lymphatic vessels is disrupted, causing swelling of the soft tissues of the affected limb. Symptoms:

Conservative treatment of lymphedema does not always give a positive result, and there is often a need for surgical intervention.

Phlebothrombosis may occur in the bitten limb, which is characterized by the formation of blood clots in the veins. Symptoms:

Phlebothrombosis is treated surgically.

How to protect yourself from trouble

A viper bite can be avoided if you follow simple rules:

When stopping in the forest for the night, take steps to reduce the risk of a viper attack:

• create strong vibrations in the soil: stomp, jump. Snakes will leave such a place;
• close tents tightly. Press the edges of the tent to the ground with stones;
• do not leave clothes outside the tent;
• Be careful when moving through the forest at night. Snakes are also active at night.

A person is able to prevent a snake from attacking; the safety rules are simple and straightforward. If the incident has already occurred, do not panic: in a stressful situation we often take the wrong actions. Try to get medical help as quickly as possible and do not refuse it.