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rattlesnake bites
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by sandiegoan on June 11, 2008
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I was told that applying burning matches, such as wooden kitchen matches, directly to the site of a rattlesnake bite, while the matchhead is still burning noisly, will kill the venom and prevent it from spreading. If this works, I assume it is because rattler venom is protein-based, and heat kills protein-based compounds. Possible?
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RE: rattlesnake bites
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by Chris_Harper on June 11, 2008
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Venom is protein based, however I PROMISE you that the match treatment will NOT work. If someone is bitten by a rattlesnake in the US, activate 911 and get to an Emergency Room with the pitviper antivenom CroFab as soon as possible.
Chris Harper, webmaster
EMS Snakebite Specialist
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RE: rattlesnake bites
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by JoeCrotalid on June 12, 2008
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Venom is a complex mixture of proteins, enzymes, and toxins-some of which will breakdown under heat-however the use of a match does not produce enough heat to cause such a breakdown. In addition, much of the venom is deposited into the Sub-Q tissue which the match can not reach from skin level.
As Chris said, the best treatment is activating 911 or getting to the hospital for appropriate treatment with antivenom-the only true treatment for snakebites.
Joe Pittman, RN, SPI
Snakebite Treatment Specialist
Poison Control Center
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RE: rattlesnake bites
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by earthguy on June 12, 2008
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Don't listen to Chris! Shock treatment, matches, whiskey, and sucking out the venom all work. All this antivenom garbage is a conspiracy to make EMT workers wealthy (they get 90% return on every vial of crofab that they sell)!
;) Sorry guys. I've been supressing my sarcasm lately. I had to let a little out before I exploded.
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RE: rattlesnake bites
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by FLherp on June 12, 2008
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They needed to find alternative uses for matches since the number of smokers is declining...
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RE: rattlesnake bites
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by Cro on June 12, 2008
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I bet Sean Bush gets a kickback from every vial of CroFab he recommends, LOL !
Best Regards John Z
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RE: rattlesnake bites
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by JoeCrotalid on June 12, 2008
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I believe he did! Although I'm not sure since the last I heard-Sean was in Austraila on an externship playing with their elapids right now if he is currently getting any kickback.
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RE: rattlesnake bites
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by FLherp on June 13, 2008
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There is currently only one medication approved for use with North American Crotalidae - CroFab. Therefore, there is no alternative to suggest. This might better explain why Sean recommends CroFab...
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RE: rattlesnake bites
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by soberwolf on June 13, 2008
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Gotta pipe in on this one folks. I for 1 would rather line Dr. Bush's pockets than to risk a matchstick or shock trial. Though shock treatment might work on some spider bites, venom is extremely complicated in snakes.
I have serious doubts about most alternative treatments. I also believe it a little immature to post otherwise. I would hate to see someone die because of bad information. The best treatment is to get to a hospital (stay calm). It is very rare in the good ol U.S. of A. to die from a snake envenomation if PROPERLY treated. Shelby
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