Emergency treatment for snake bites...
"I used to work with wild animals at Letaba River Lodge eco-park, where we had a lot of snakes because of the dense bush and rocky outcrops," says snake handler Gideon Vorster from Tzaneen.
"Someone trained us about snake identification, and from then on, I started doing snake-catching as a hobby
in town.
In February, we had a call out for a snake that was in a ceiling in Nkowankowa.
I was told it was a python, but on arrival, I realised it was a black mamba, the deadliest snake in Africa.
"When I brought the snake home, we had to take it out to ensure it was in a healthy condition.
It was already past its shedding phase [a process that makes the snake violent and territorial], but we weren't sure if it had been hurt while in the roof.
I can't say precisely what happened while I was handling it but I was bitten on the hand twice.
It was simply an unfortunate incident.
"Richard Radue, my fellow snake handler, immediately rushed me to
the hospital.
I was already experiencing dizziness, nausea, numbness, and pins and needles all over my body.
I'm not going to lie, I was scared.
But I kept my cool as I knew it would only have made it worse if I got anxious or stressed.
"Once at Mediclinic Tzaneen, I can't remember much.
I just know I was taken to the ER, where they gave me anti-venom, an adrenaline shot and some other medication.
After I was stable, I was admitted to ICU for the night and discharged the next day."
A black mamba's venom is complex as it interferes with the nerves and muscles, resulting in paralysis.
The venom is also cardiotoxic, which means it may have a direct effect on the heart.
Gideon has nothing but praise for all the staff at Mediclinic Tzaneen.
"Hopefully, I will be able to catch snakes again soon," he says.
"We're aware that snakes are wild animals, and people shouldn't handle them without training."
FIRST AID FOR SNAKE BITE VICTIMS
Call ER24 on 084 124 for real help, real fast.
Move the victim away from the snake as soon as it's safe to do so.
Identifying the snake is helpful but not essential (if possible, take a picture of the snake on your cell phone) but don't waste time or risk further injury by confronting or killing the snake.
Early, appropriate medical attention is essential.
Keep the patient seated and calm.
Panic and excess movement will cause the venom to move around the body.
Remove jewellery and constricting garments (cut them off without moving the victim too much).
If possible, elevate the affected limb slightly above heart level.
Don't try to suck out the venom.
Snake venom is absorbed into the lymphatic system and very little venom can be removed by suction.
Don't apply a tourniquet.
Venom is initially transported largely through the lymphatic system and not through veins.
There is little evidence that a tourniquet could be life-saving following a snakebite.
Do not waste valuable time applying a pressure bandage - get the patient to the nearest hospital trauma unit and, if possible, apply a pressure bandage while travelling.
Monitor the victim's breathing and give CPR if necessary.
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