Not all snakes are venomous
Often dry bites by venomous snakes
Classification important for symptoms and treatment
- Vipers: primarily haemorrhages and necrosis
- Elapids: primarily paralysis and necrosis
- No arterial tourniquet
- Pressure-immobilisation technique during transport (neurotoxic snakes)
- Antivenom if symptoms of envenomation
- Neostigmine + Atropine if paralysis
- Importance of potential side effects of antivenom (anaphylaxis, serum sickness)
