WHAT TO DO IN CASE OF A SNAKE BITE
- Wash the wound but DO NOT MAKE A TORNIQUETTE. Do not cut off the circulation to the arm or leg where the bite has occured. If a torniquette is made the posion will concentrate and may seriously affect the arm or leg. Do not make cuts nor suck on the wound. Clean it and get to the nearest medical center. The patient should avoid excercise and should drink some water. Above all he must keep calm.
The only possible treatment is to apply of the proper antivenom, specific to the species of snake that caused the bite. For cases when the exact species is not known there are bivalent and polivalent antivenoms that work for the more abundant species of the area.
If possible remember the markings on the back of the snake. Take one minute to make a drawing of it. Does it have a narrow neck? Does it have a rattle on the tail? If it has coloured rings carefully note down the colour secuence - this separates false corals from the true coral. If the snake is dead bring it with you but take extreme precautions as contact with the fangs remains highly dangerous.
Time is important. Do not delay. Find out which is the nearest hospital and if it has a stock of antivenom, which should not be outdated. Applying antivenom is a delicate medical procedure due to possible side effects so should be done in the Intesive Care unit by a toxicologist doctor. Advise the hospital of your impending arrival, and for the toxicologist to be called at once.
Remember that some grass snakes may also bite, but this does not mean they are venemous. However, some of them are mildly venomous, so do not underestimate the situation, especially in the case of small children. Also a snake bite can cause Tetanus, so always get to a hospital.
- In the city of Buenos Aires the specialized center for snake bite treatment is the Hospital Francisco J. Muñiz.
Address: Uspallata 2272 - Enter the hospital and go straight to the Emergency ward ("Guardia"). Announce what has happened so that you get immediate attention. They will surely direct you to Ward 9 (Sala 9), SECOND FLOOR (up only ONE flight of steps). This ward tends to cases of travel medicine, tropical deseases and regional illnesses (Medicina del Viajero, Medicina Tropical y Enfermedades Regionales). Phones: 4304-2180, 4304-3380 &4305-3161 Extension (Interno) 231 (Sala 9). The single most important recommendation issued by this hospital is: DO NOT MAKE TORNIQUETTES.
(The better known Instituto Malbrán receives specimens for identification but does not tend to patients!)

PREVENTION:
When walking in the bush wear tall boots.
Never introduce your hand into a nest, a hole in a tree or the ground, in bushes, etc..
Take into account that most poisonous snakes are nocturnal.
Prepare a contingency plan: ¿Does the local hospital have antivenom stock? ¿Do you know how to get there? And so on...