Dumaguete Info Search


Is snake anti-venom available in Dumaguete?

Discussion in '☋ Expat Section ☋' started by Manzanita, Sep 17, 2010.

  1. claire29

    claire29 DI Member

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    got this in the net

    First Aid

    Potential Emergency Situations and Conditions




    Snake Bites
    The danger of snake bites:

    Each year, nearly 8,000 people receive venomous snake bites in the United States. Even a bite from a so-called "harmless" snake can cause infection or allergic reaction in some people. People who frequently visit wilderness areas, camp, hike, picnic, or live in snake-inhabited areas should be aware of the potential dangers posed by venomous snakes.

    What snakes cause venomous bites?

    Any of the following snakes cause poisonous bites:

    •Rattlesnake
    •Copperhead
    •Cottonmouth Water Moccasin
    •Coral Snake
    What are the symptoms of venomous bites?

    While each individual may experience symptoms differently, the following are the most common symptoms of venomous snake bites:

    •bloody wound discharge
    •fang marks in the skin and swelling at the site of the bite
    •severe localized pain
    •diarrhea
    •burning
    •convulsions
    •fainting
    •dizziness
    •weakness
    •blurred vision
    •excessive sweating
    •fever
    •increased thirst
    •loss of muscle coordination
    •nausea and vomiting
    •numbness and tingling
    •rapid pulse
    How are snake bites treated?

    Call for emergency assistance immediately if someone has been bitten by a snake. Responding quickly in this type of emergency is crucial. While waiting for emergency assistance:

    •Wash the bite with soap and water.


    •Immobilize the bitten area and keep it lower than the heart.


    •Cover the area with a clean, cool compress or a moist dressing to minimize swelling and discomfort.


    •Monitor vital signs.
    If a victim is unable to reach medical care within 30 minutes, the American Red Cross recommends:

    •Apply a bandage, wrapped two to four inches above the bite, to help slow the venom. This should not cut off the flow of blood from a vein or artery - the band should be loose enough to slip a finger under it.


    •A suction device can be placed over the bite to help draw venom out of the wound without making cuts. These devices are often included in commercial snake bite kits.
    Most often, physicians use antivenin -- an antidote to snake venom -- to treat serious snake bites. Antivenin is derived from antibodies created in a horse's blood serum when the animal is injected with snake venom. Because antivenin is obtained from horses, snake bite victims sensitive to horse products must be carefully managed.

    Preventing snake bites:

    Some bites, such as those inflicted when you accidentally step on a snake in the woods, are nearly impossible to prevent. However, there are precautions that can reduce your chances of being bitten by a snake. These include:

    •Leave snakes alone. Many people are bitten because they try to kill a snake or get too close to it.


    •Stay out of tall grass unless you wear thick leather boots and remain on hiking paths as much as possible.


    •Keep hands and feet out of areas you cannot see. Do not pick up rocks or firewood unless you are out of a snake's striking distance.


    •Be cautious and alert when climbing rocks
     
  2. OP
    OP
    Manzanita

    Manzanita DI Forum Patron

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    Maybe we should bring it up with the Mayors office that a growing city like Dumaguete should have anti-venom and a snakebite medical plan?

    PatO, he was a small one, bout a foot long, but according to Mama, he's of a type thats known to be venomous.
     
  3. Knowdafish

    Knowdafish DI Forum Luminary

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    And maybe the mayors office can find out from all the local hospitals and the morgue what the actual incidence of snake bite really is? 0? 1? 5? ????
     
  4. jellyfish

    jellyfish DI Forum Patron

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    A "coral snake" I saw, "excessive sweating" I did after my dive, "increased thirst" I even had more than normal, "loss of muscle coordination" I still had the next morning as also a tremendeous headache :D:D
    Was it the snake I SAW or the things I did drink to temper my thirst :smile:

    Good story Claire. Worthwhile to read.
    Don't take my jokes too serious,
     
  5. OP
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    Manzanita

    Manzanita DI Forum Patron

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    Thats a good idea kdf, maybe we can find an email address to someone that can do something, and send them a load of emails showing there are people concerned about this.
    I'd do anything I can to possible save a life from snakebite.
    We've had 3 dogs killed by snakes already, my kids have seen a cobra in the property adjoining ours, and we killed a cobra on the driveway here about a year ago.
    I also pulled a beautiful golden Boa Constrictor off of my roofs downdrain pipe. Just flung him over the fence, kinda wished I would have kept him now. He would have been great in a terrarium in out family room.
     
  6. Rhoody

    Rhoody DI Forum Luminary

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    Very common in the Philippines:

    The Money Sucking Snake (sci: pecunia combibo vipera)

    Preferred environment while juvenile mountainous areas, hiding in Nipa huts, occasionally seen on farms and fields, not dangerous when juvenile.

    changing behavior when confronted with cell-phones and internet in early adult-stadium.
    • rarely monogamous but pretending to be so
    • very active during mating-season / years
    • changing environment from area above to air-conditioned environment.

    While each individual may experience symptoms differently, the following are the most common symptoms of venomous money-sucking-snake bites, which may include but are not limited to:

    • occasional small bites result in slight wallet-drainage.
    • deep ongoing bites result in loss of common sense
    • throwing away life-savings around like candies on a carnival parade

    Appearance:


    First appearance usually in company with a close female relative. Followed after mating by a whole clan, willing to leave their original habitat to support the sucking snake in it's new environment.

    Be aware that the clan is usually not at very good health and many times "has a sick"


    hundreds of times yearly, just in Dumaguete
     
  7. PatO

    PatO DI Forum Luminary Highly Rated Poster Showcase Reviewer Veteran Marines

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  8. OP
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    Manzanita

    Manzanita DI Forum Patron

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  9. nightjar

    nightjar One Hit Wonder?

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    hi! im new on this forum. anybody knows if where can i buy finches here in dumaguete..? please help..
     
  10. SurfinUSA

    SurfinUSA DI Senior Member

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    Interesting. I know an American who was with the invasion force that liberated the Bacolod area during WWII. I just recently met another who was fighting on Leyte back then.
     
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