Cutting the area surrounding a snake-bite wound and sucking out the venom, as seen in many Wild West movies, is certainly not a recommended first-aid measure. Similarly the use of a tourniquet that cuts off blood circulation is no longer recommended as it may cause unnecessary pain and even tissue damage (known in the past to result in the loss of limbs).

First-aid procedures

Apply firm pressure to the site of the bite, using your hand. Then wrap the limb firmly with a bandage (tear up some clothing if a bandage is not available), starting at the site of the bite and working towards the heart.

You are not trying to cut off blood circulation but rather to prevent venom being absorbed through the lymphatic system. The bandage must be quite tight, as for a sprained ankle.

Immobilise the victim and, if possible, splint the limb. If there is severe swelling, the bandage must be loosened but not removed.

Lay the victim down (unnecessary movement increases venom circulation) and keep him/her calm and reassured.

Transport the victim to the closest hospital. If there is no hospital nearby, transport the victim to the closest doctor.

Also important to note:

1.  Do no inject antivenom indiscriminately. This should be left for a doctor.

2.  Do not give the victim alcohol or any other liquid.

3.  Keep the mouth and throat clear of saliva and resort to artificial respiration if necessary.

4.  Suction may help if done immediately, even if only to reassure the victim. All fluid removed by suction must be spat out immediately. If possible, suck over a sheet of rubber or plastic.

5. Do not try to kill the snake responsible. A second bite would really complicate matters.

6. Keep your wits about you and react in a logical way. Remember that very few people die from snake bite.

SPITTING SNAKES:

Snakes spit (or rather 'squirt') their venom in  self-defense, to keep predators at bay, or to scare off humans that venture too close. This is done by applying pressure on the venom down the hollow fangs. A small hole near the tip of the fangs forces the venom out of the snake's mouth. A spitting snake can eject its venom as far as 2,5 metres adn sometimes even further. The spitting action is not very accurate (snake's do not 'aim') but it is effective.

Snake venom is completely harmless to the skin unless it enters an open wound. In the eyes, however, it is absorbed rapidly by tiny blood vessels close to the surface and causes severe burning and inflammation. Rubbing the eyes does ruther harm.

First-aid procedures for venom in the eyes:

1.  Rinse the eyes immediately with large quantities of water or any other harmless fluid such as milk, or even beer.

2.  Wipe any excess venom from the face.

3.  Seek medical advice. It may be necessary for a doctor to rinse the eyes with diluted antivenom (one part serum to nine parts water).

The victim's eyes should recover fully within three or four days.

NOTES TAKEN AT SNAKE TRAINING AND SOCIAL - 20 APRIL 2007

Mole Snake: Has blade like teeth which cut sideways. The bite looks similar to the cut of a steak knife.

African Rock Python: Has vestigial spurs which used to be his legs. They are used primarily in mating - for scratching the female.

Antivenom is actually horse blood. They inject small amounts of venom into the horse until it builds up a natural immunity. This can be risky as certain people can go into anaphalactic shock if allergic to the horse blood. It is now being done with chickens and sheep and there is less chance of going into shock.

The most venemous snakes in South Africa are 1. The Black Mamba 2. Cape Cobra  3. The Boomslang.

Like sharks if a snake looses a tooth another one "pops" forward.

Boomslangs have amazing eyesight and can see up to 800 meters.

All snakes can open their mouths 180 degrees.

A Boomslang bite contains an extremely potent haemotoxin which breaks down the blood cells so that you bleed internally or from all orifices.