Snakes on the plains and elsewhere

With the summer season upon us along with all it's outdoor activities there has been a spike in the incidences of snake bites and scorpion stings. At United Hatzalah we are committed to public education and accident prevention. As such, here are a few prevention and treatment tips relating to minimizing the dangers associated with snake encounters.

Prevention Tips

• Keep the house clear of rats, mice and other snake prey
• Fix leaky taps (snakes are drawn to water)
• Try to minimize plants and tall grass in the garden. Plants are an excellent cover for snakes
• Fix window screens (snakes can climb)
• Keep a cat in the garden (cat's are one of the snake's biggest enemies)
• NEVER place your hand or foot under a log or rock without checking first

Emergency First Aid Tips

• Stay calm. The victim should not exert himself/herself
• If you see the snake, try to remember what it looks like
• Take off any jewelry or tight clothing near the bite quickly, before swelling starts
• Lift a bitten arm or leg so it is level with your heart.
• Clean the bite wound. Be sure to wipe in the direction away from the wound
• Do NOT bleed the wound
• Do NOT try to suck the venom out of the wound
• Do NOT put ice on the bite
• Do NOT approach the snake; don't try to catch it or to kill it

Thanks to www.snakes.co.il for their fine photos and research on the topic. Below are photos of the 9 poisonous snakes indigenous to Israel. Please note that many snakes look alike, in case of doubt err on the side of caution and seek immediate medical attention. You can roll your mouse (the computer one) over the snakes to see their Latin names, if you really want to get personal with them. Outside of a zoo, May this be the closest you ever get to these beauties.