Summer is snake season in Israel and around the world. While
snakes are not common in built-up areas, they are sometimes
found. Also many people spend time in less settled areas in
the summer, especially during bein hazmanim.
We should know something about snakes and we should know
something about snakebites — but not from firsthand
experience. Hopefully, reading about them in the newspaper
will be the closest you get.
Protected Species
The snake is perhaps the most hated animal by man. It rouses
revulsion, fear and trepidation. But surprisingly enough the
snake is a protected species in Israel.
Nine different species of snakes are on the protected-species
list in Eretz Yisroel in addition to 32 other species. Some
species are not dangerous at all and eat rats and other
pests, thereby reducing disease.
The black snake, for example, is not dangerous but it is very
powerful and can even overcome the viper. Because the snake
is protected, one needs to obtain a special permit from the
Society for the Preservation of Nature to capture it.
Captured snakes are released into the wild, and venomous
snakes are handed over to the local zoo.
Although venomous snakes appear to be of no benefit to
mankind, in fact their venom is used for medicinal purposes
— and not just for preparing antidotes to bites by that
species of snake. Various life-saving drugs contain snake
venom. These medications are prepared using a wide variety of
complex biochemical processes and have the power to work
wonders. "Moh rabu maasecho Hashem!"
First Aid for Snakebite
In the event of snakebite, several symptoms generally appear:
localized swelling, blisters, red lines leading toward the
lymph nodes, strong pains, fang marks and signs of shock.
Snake venom is very dangerous and without treatment can cause
shock as a result of damage to the blood vessels,
neurological shock, paralysis, toxicosis and death.
According to Natan Kodinsky, the director of Magen David
Adom's training department, in the event of a snakebite the
following steps should be taken:
"First of all, Magen David Adom should be summoned
immediately by dialing 101. The victim should be induced to
lie down, ensuring he is in a state of total rest. The
injured limb should be immobilized to prevent unnecessary
jostling.
"The victim should not be jostled. Do not cut and suck at the
place of the snakebite. Never wrap the limb tightly to block
the artery. Do not apply heat or cold and do not allow the
victim to drink alcohol or more than small quantities of
water."
Kodinsky says only under completely safe conditions should
one try to catch the snake in order to assist the medical
staff to administer the proper antidote by immediately
identifying the type of snake involved.
"In any case," says Kodinsky, "treating the victim quickly is
a basic element for success and the faster the treatment the
more effective it will be and the higher the chances of
success."
