n. For the bite of a pit viper indigenous to the Western Hemisphere, do NOT
give antivenin unless the area or erythema and edema surrounding the fang marks
reaches 5" in diameter.
o. Administer antivenin where severe envenomation has occurred and no
physician is available. Conduct a skin sensitivity test and if there is no reaction, give the
antivenin intramuscularly at a site other than the one where the bite occurred.
1-10. PREVENTION OF REPTILE BITES
The following information will help you avoid the painful experience of a snake
bite and can save your life.
a. If you cannot see into an area, never place your hands or feet there. Always
look before putting your hands or feet anyplace.
b. Make sure your hands are out of the striking distance of any snake that might
be underneath a rock or fallen tree before turning it over.
c. Look under fences carefully before crawling beneath them.
d. Look about carefully before sitting down on a log.
e. Gather firewood before it is dark.
f. Do not choose a place near wood or rubbish piles, at the entrance to a cave,
or near swampy areas when you are ready to sleep.
g. Never disturb snakes or try to kill them unless it is necessary.
h. Unless you are very skilled at capturing snakes, don't attempt it.
i. Freshly killed snakes are still dangerous, so do not handle them.
j.
Attempt to identify a snake without getting within the snake's striking distance.
k. Wear boots at night in any endemic area. Never use low cut shoes in any
rattlesnake haunt.
l. If certain waters are known to be infested with snakes, do not swim there.
m. Never examine supposedly dead snakes with your hands, use a stick instead.
n. When transporting a dead snake, place it on the opposite end of a stick.
MD0588
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