ed 3d Flashcards
First Aid snake bite
Apply a broad pressure immobilisation bandage,
Preferably elastic rather than crepe, as firm as you would for a
sprained ankle; The aim is to prevent lymphatic spread of venom, not
to stop blood supply. Start at the bite site and bandage the entire limb.
Immobilise the joints either side of the bite site (use a splint),
Immobilise the entire patient
DO NOT remove the bandage until in a centre with full treatment facilities, as discussed above.
If envenomed, do not remove until anti venom has been given.
Once the anti venom has been given, remove the pressure immobilisation bandage. Do
not wash or clean the bite site in any way (in case the use of a Venom Detection Kit is
required)
SNAKE VENOM DETECTION KIT (VDK)
A VDK is rarely indicated as:
There are only two types of antivenom required for Victorian snakes (tiger and brown) and both can be given to treat envenomation
without identifying the snake, and
The diagnosis of envenomation is based on the aforementioned history, examination and laboratory test findings. A VDK is NOT used to
diagnose envenomation
A VDK may be indicated if the snakebite is from a non-Victorian snake
Attempted identification of snakes by witnesses should never be relied upon as snakes of different species may have the same colouring or
banding
VDKs can have significant rates of snake misidentification with both false positives and false negatives and should therefore only be
performed by an experienced laboratory technician
The results should not override clinical and geographical data. Discuss use and results with a clinical toxicologist (eg Poisons Centre 13 11 26)
If used, a VDK should be used on a bite site swab, and a single operator should be dedicated to perform the VDK interpretation and
should do so free from other clinical responsibility and interruption. This takes 20-30 minutes, and as such should be omitted in the
unwell or arrested child. A brief lapse in concentration when watching for colour change in the VDK can result in a false reading
If there is no apparent bite, a VDK may be done on urine, but never blood.
ANTI VENOM
Anti venoms are purified antibodies against venoms or venom
components. Anti venoms are produced from antibodies made
by animals to injected venoms.
Most Australian anti venoms are produced using horse-derived
antibodies
HOW IS ANTI VENOM MADE
“Venom is obtained from the various creatures in different ways. Snakes and funnel web spiders are milked for their
venom. Stonefish, red back spider and box jellyfish anti venoms are made from venom extracted from the animal by
dissection. This may be a dangerous process.
Small doses of venom or venom components are injected into the animal, and the dose gradually increased as the
animal builds up a tolerance to the venom. In response to the introduction of the venom (a foreign substance), the
animal produces antibodies to the venom. When the doses being injected are large, the amount of antibody produced
is large.
These antibodies are harvested by taking blood from the animals and separating out the antibodies, which are then
fragmented and purified by a series of digestion and processing steps
SERUM SICKNESS, POST ANTI
VENOM
A benign and self limiting complication occurs 5-10 days after
anti venom, symptoms include fever, rash and myalgia.
Treated with po steroids. (prednisone).
NSAIDs and antihistamines may also be used.
BLUE RINGED OCTOPUS
Found in tidal pools, sting when handled or stood on.
A painless bite followed by paralysis and death from respiratory
failure within 30mins.
First aid:
➤ Pressure bandage and immobilisation.
➤ Monitor for adverse reactions and signs of deterioration. ➤
Mechanical ventilation
BOX JELLY FISH
Found in the waters of Northern Aust. from Oct. to May.
➤ Neurotoxic- can cause severe
respiratory distress, cardiac arrest
➤ Severe stinging/pain and reddening of skin
FIRST AID
box jelly fish
- Rinse area with vinegar or sea water
- remove tentacles from skin with tweezers
- Soak area in hot water
- Monitor for deterioration
