4io 



THE SNAKES OF SOUTH AFRICA 



scrum may conveniently be injected at one spot. More may be 

 introduced under the skin in one place, but it is absorbed more 

 rapidly when injected in several places. The arms and legs are 

 usually selected because the skin does not adhere firmly to the 

 muscles on those parts, and it is tlierefore easier to inject the 

 serum under the skin. Moreover, it circulates much better. 

 After the serum has been injected, gently rub the injected part 

 to make the serum dissipate under the skin. 



If the bite has been promptly treated with permanganate 

 and the part ligatured within five minutes of being bitten and 

 no symptoms of poisoning have set in, then 20 or 25 c.c. anti- 



FiG. 157. — Injecting serum under the skin of the thigh. Always thrust the needle point up 

 towards the body. Do not inject into a ligatured limb below the ligature. 



venene may be injected. But if, after an interval, dangerous 

 symptoms appear, then inject a second dose, and even a third 

 or fourth. It can do no harm, and will probably make all the 

 difference and save the life of the patient. At such critical times 

 it is extremely false economy to withhold an extra dose or two 

 of serum. Always bear in mind that the more you inject, the 

 better the chance of a complete recovery. 



If serious symptoms of poisoning have set in, the serum should 

 be strained carefully and injected direct into a vein so that it 

 may be carried as rapidly as possible throughout the circulation. 



