SNAKES COMMITTING SUICIDE 
It has been stated, and substantiated in at least one instance, that 
rattlesnakes are susceptible to their own poison, and thet death has en— 
sued from the effects of their self-inflicted wounds, There is a possi— 
bility, however, that in such cases the fang may have punctured the 
spinal cord or some vital organ, and that death, therefore, is not in— 
variably due to the poison. Snakes are not likely to bite themselves 
except when severely injured or when infuriated and unable to wrea 
vengeance on the tormentor. That pe ae may be killed by oe bites 
of other poisonous species of snakes has been demonstrated by experiment 
with captive specimens. 
TREATHENT FOR BITES OF NORTH AMSRICAN POI SONOUS SNAKES 
The following is @ combination of recommendations from publications 
by Drs. R. H. Hutchison and Dudley Jackson (see bibliography) : 
The chicf-precaution in case of snake bites is to prevent systemic 
absorpvion of a fatal dose of venom from the quantity contained in the 
tissues immediately surrounding the wound. To accomplish this, action 
must be prompt. Local treatment is of greatest importance, and in addi- 
tion the patient should be kept as quiet es possible. 
Don'ts for the Victim 
Don't run or get overheated. Don't take any alcoholic stimulants. 
Circulation, increased by exercise or by alcohol, serves to distribute 
the poison much more rapidly through the body. Don't injure the tissues 
by injecting potassium permanganate, which is now known to be of no 
value as an antidote. Do not depend upon reputed snake—bite "cures" 
commonly used. Do not cauterize the.area around the bite with burning 
gunpowder, strong acids, or in any other way. 
What to do first 
Apply a ligature, or tourniquet, a few inches above tne bite. For 
this purpose, use a rubber garter, a picce of small rubber tubing, e. hand] 
kerchief, cord, or even a shoestring, which can be tightened by inserting 
@ stick and twisting. Do not bind the limb too tightly, but just enough 
to retard circulation returning through the veins toward the hearts” ihe 
sole object of the tourniquet is to delay absorption of the poison into 
the general circulation, but if it is applied too vishtlhy or hepryomaroe 
long, gangrene is likely to set in, with resulting destruction of the 
flesh in the affected area, It is importent, nen to release the 
tourniquet every LO or 15 minutes for about a minute at a time. 
Other First—aid Measures 
Make & cross-cut incision at each Heng a mark. For this purpose use a 
sharp clean knife or razor blade and make the cut all the way through the 
skin, that is, about 1/4 inch deep and V/2 inch long, preferably connect— 
ing the fang marks. Suction should then be applied to the affected spot 
sO 
