SERPENTS OF THE NORTHEASTERN STATES 39 



infection with germs from the snake's mouth, the wounds should be 

 covered with a heavy layer of wet dressing and kept saturated with 

 a mild antiseptic solution. This not only retards or prevents infection, 

 but induces copious drainage through a discharge of quantities of 

 serous fluids which always appear to be rushed to such a poisoned area. 



There are but few spots in the whole northeastern area where 

 poisonous snakes occur which are not accessible, within a reasonable 

 time, to the aid of a physician, and the snakebite victim should, if 

 possible, place himself in skilled hands to carry through all but the 

 preliminary stages of treatment. 



A first-aid kit for the treatment of snake bite should contain the 

 following articles : Several one-edged safety razor blades ; a small bulb 

 and cupping glass for flat surfaces, with additional attachment for 

 "round" surfaces, like a finger; a roll of rubber ligature; a small roll 

 of bandage; and two tubes of antivenomous serum. The serum will re- 

 main efficacious for several years. A few permanganate crystals may 

 also be carried. Whiskey is useless as a cure, although a moderate 

 dose of medicinal brandy does no harm and may greatly relieve the 

 mind during a situation which may not be nearly as dangerous as it 

 seems. 



We have noted bites of copperheads that produced great swelling 

 which cleared up within a few days with no other treatment than a 

 drainage incision across the fang wounds and the covering of the 

 area with a wet dressing. There are also cases of both copperhead 

 and rattlesnake bites being treated with the serum and the patient 

 going about his regular business the following day. Again, there 

 are records of grave manifestations. Consequently, poisonous serpents 

 warrant great respect, caution in investigating their lairs, and per- 

 sonal protection in going through the areas which they inhabit. 



As many people are bitten by harmless snakes which may quickly 

 glide away, leaving apprehension behind them, it is well to under- 

 stand that the bite of a poisonous serpent is unmistakable. A harm- 

 less serpent may produce distinct wounds from its recurved teeth, 

 and as only a few of the teeth may cause lacerations which bleed, 

 the imagination of a nervous person may quickly picture them as two 

 "fang" punctures. If nothing happens within ten minutes following 

 a bite, the snake was harmless. A bite from a poisonous serpent 

 rapidly develops unmistakable symptoms. A burning pain is apparent 

 within three to five minutes and within ten minutes there is a distinct 

 swelling. This rapidly increases, and is usually followed, within half 

 an hour or less, by profuse perspiration and possibly reflex vomiting. 

 By this time, of course, emergency treatment should have been given, 

 and if serum is at hand, its injection may prevent the more alarming 

 symptoms. 



