snake bite

Q: How the snake bite area should be immobilized in the context of the heart level?

Answer: Immobilization of the snake bite area depends on the type of the snake well known in the local territory. In Australia, where snakes are known to cause neurotoxicity, the bite wound should be kept below the level of the heart. The objective is to minimize the absorption of the venom in the lymphatic system. In North America, snake bites tend to cause more local tissue damage. And, the bite wound may be placed at the level of the heart to manage local swelling but not encourage systemic absorption. Splinting should be applied to minimize the pressure on the tissues

 In any case, some old known and frequently shown treatments in movies are not recommended and should be avoided. It includes incise and sucks out the venom, applying ice or electric shock and, above all applying the tourniquet.

In the United States, the number to call to seek immediate help in case of snakebite is 1-800-222-1222.

#snake-bite
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References:

1. Gold BS, Dart RC, Barish RA. Bites of venomous snakes. N Engl J Med 2002; 347:347.

2. Warrell DA. Envenoming and injuries by venomous and nonvenomous reptiles worldwide. In: Wilderness Medicine, 6th Edition, Auerbach PS (Ed), Elsevier Mosby, Philadelphia 2012. p.1040. 

3. Chudnofsky C. Splinting techniques. In: Clinical Procedures in Emergency Medicine, Roberts J, Hedges J (Eds), WB Saunders, Philadelphia, 1998. p.852. 

4. Alberts MB, Shalit M, LoGalbo F. Suction for venomous snakebite: a study of "mock venom" extraction in a human model. Ann Emerg Med 2004; 43:181.