g. Evacuate the Casualty. Evacuate the casualty to a medical treatment
facility. Keep the casualty as still as possible. Monitor the casualty's breathing and
pulse during evacuation. Do not give the casualty any alcohol, drugs, tobacco, fluids, or
food. If the snake was killed, transport the snake with the casualty. Proper
identification of the snake will assist medical personnel in selecting the correct antivenin.
1-5.
TREAT A NONPOISONOUS SNAKEBITE
If the snakebite can be positively identified as being caused by a nonpoisonous
snake, treat the bite as a wound.
a. Cleanse the Wound. Cleanse the wounds (bite punctures) with soap and
water or with an antiseptic solution. If the casualty is not allergic to iodine, apply iodine
to the wound.
b. Check Immunization. One of the chief dangers of a bite from a
nonpoisonous snake is tetanus. If the soldier's tetanus toxoid series is not current, he
will need to be referred to a medical treatment facility (usually the battalion aid station)
for immunization before returning to duty.
c. Record Treatment. Record the injury and the treatment given on a DD Form
1380, U.S. Field Medical Card. If the casualty is to return to duty, forward the card
through appropriate channels.
d. Return the Casualty to Duty/Evacuate the Casualty. If the casualty needs
an immunization, have him report to the nearest medical treatment facility. Otherwise,
return the casualty to duty. If the casualty returns to duty, tell him to avoid alcohol,
drugs, and tobacco products. Do not administer any sedatives to the casualty. Tell the
casualty to seek medical help if signs of infection, such as redness and swelling, occur.
MD0548
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