Chapter II 



PRECAUTIONS TO AVOID SNAKEBITE 



The best way to ki'f[) from licinii i)illi'ii l)y 

 snakes is to avoid tlu'iu. Ilowcvei-, since there 

 is little choice in a duty assignment, there are 

 certain precautions to be taken in "snake coun- 

 try." In such areas it is advisable to cairy a 

 snakebite first aid kit. Snakebite Kit, Suction 

 (FSN 6545-952-5325), may be ordered through 

 the Armed Forces Supply Agency. When such 

 kits are not available, the following items can be 

 substituted: an antiseptic, a razor or sharp knife, 

 a piece of rubber tubing or similar item to be 

 used as a tourniquet, and any device capable of 

 providing suction. A 10 ml. syringe with needle, 

 a vial of physiologic saline and two vials of ad- 

 renalin should also be carried for use in admin- 

 istering horse serum sensitivity tests (see p. 16). 



Reminders 



"\^lien in snake infested country it is important 

 to: 



1. Rememter that snake.i are probably more 

 afraid of Juonan-s than hit mans are of snakes. 

 (liven the chance snakes will usually rcti'iMt to 

 avoid an encounter. 



2. Learn to recognize the poisonous snakes in 

 the area of operation. Avoid killing harmless 

 snakes. 



3. Avoid waJhing arovnd offer dark. Many 

 venomous snakes are nocturnal and will travel at 

 night far beyond the distances they may venture 

 during the day. If you must walk at night be 

 sure to wear boots. 



4. Remember that snakes in general avoid di- 



rect siinHght. ;ind llial llu'v are most active at- 

 moderate tem[)erat ures. 



5. Avoid caves, open tombs, and kntJirn snake 

 den areas. Snakes live in ai'eas which afford 

 piotection and which may be frequented by other 

 small animals. They may be found in consider- 

 ai)le numijers in caves and open tombs during the 

 hiljei'nation period which in nio>t snakes ex- 

 tends from fall until early spring. Tliey may 

 also seek out these same areas during the summer 

 months. 



6. Remember that poisonous snakes may be 

 found at high altitudes, and that they can climb 

 trees and fences. 



7. Walk on clear paths «.■? much as possible. 

 Avoid tall grass and areas of heavy underbrush 

 or ground covering. Wear protective clothing 

 when entering such areas. 



8. Avoid sivimming in inaters where snakes 

 abound. Most land species of poisonous snakes 

 swim well, and may, under unusual circum- 

 stan<'es, l)itc while in water. Sea snakes are 

 not uncommon in the Indo-Pacific area, and 

 while most species are docile some may bite when 

 handled or disturbed. 



9. Avoid sleeping on the ground lohenevcr pos- 

 sible. 



10. Avoid walking close to rocky ledges. Give 

 snakes a wide passage, just in case. 



11. Avoid hiking alone in snake-infested areas. 



12. Avoid horse-play involving live or dead 

 snakes. Snakes should not be handled carelessly. 

 Teasing people with snakes may have unexpected 

 and unfortunate results. 



