Two people have been bitten by snakes in the past 24 hours, both requiring hospitalization. Doctors in Chadera’s Hillel Yafeh Hospital report both were bitten by Palestinian vipers.

The first victim resides in the Nachal I’ron area, a male in his 60s, who arrived in a confused mental state. He was stabilized and placed in the cardiac intensive care unit. He was bitten in a hand as he worked in his garden.

The second victim transported to Hillel Yafeh is a Ganei Shomron resident in his 20s, who arrived in a conscious state. Her condition however deteriorated rapidly, exhibiting the neurological and other signs of the snake’s poisonous toxin. She too was admitted for observation.

According to the hospital’s chief of emergency medicine, Dr. Jalal Askhar, the snake bites were from a young snake, explaining the rapid development of swelling, abdominal pain, fever, increased blood pressure and instability of the patient’s vital signs in both victims.

In the case of a snake bite accompanied with confusion and other signs, one should attempt to remain as still as possible and transport should not be delayed. Israel Nature Preservation Society officials add that if at all possible, without additional risk, photographing the snake would be extremely helpful for the medical team.

Experts in Israel add that keeping the victim still assists in slowing down the spread of the venom. Other measures to be taken include calming down the victim, stabilizing the bitten limb if applicable, remove rings and bracelets.

Actions that should not be taken include making any incisions, attempt to remove venom, apply any tourniquets, apply ice, applying alcohol and giving alcohol or hot drinks [which tend to increase one’s blood pressure and heart rate].

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)