Snake bite treatment now available

In a matter of seconds, snake venom can travel from fangs, to the skin and into the blood stream.

It's imperative that anyone who is bit by a venomous snake get medical attention as soon as possible, preferably within 30 minutes. A new snake bite medication at Patterson Health Center is set to help get the medication into the system quickly, so patients can avoid more long-term effects.

The medication, called ANAVIP, treats patients in minutes. It boosts your immune system, counteracts the venom in your system from moving through the body, and it helps stop necrosis - the death of cells in the body tissue.

"People spend a lot of time outside, so we hope this offers a peace of mind," said Crissa Cox, RN, Director of Nursing for Emergency and Trauma Services at PHC.

PHC has looked into getting antivenom in the past, but the options were limited. The prior medication would take longer to prepare and it was more costly.

ANAVIP only takes a few minutes to prepare. It was just introduced in larger hospitals, like Ascension Via Christi in Wichita.

PHC will keep the medication on hand, as the emergency department has reported at least one venomous snake bite per year.

If someone is bit by a snake, Cox recommends they do the following:

* Call 911 or have someone drive them to the nearest hospital;

* Lightly wrap the bite with bandages or a shirt;

* If possible, try to take a photo of the snake or remember what the snake looks like;

* Mark the swelling in case it increases before medical staff has a chance to assess it;

* Do NOT attempt to suck or abstract the venom from the wound;

* If possible, stay calm and keep the wound below the heart.

Be cautious of all venomous snakes, but especially the young snakes. They tend to be unable to control their venom dispersion.

"We are thankful to have ANAVIP," Cox said. She encourages the word to be spread about the antivenom.

"Awareness is key!"