Are snakes taking over? Here’s what to do …
Residents are growing more concerned about an increase in snake sightings, and the African Snakebite Institute (ASI) sheds some light on what dangerous snakes the public should look out for and what to do in case of an emergency.
With more and more snake sightings and encounters happening across town, the African Snakebite Institute (ASI) has provided some valuable information which could prove vital and even end up saving lives.
Johan Marais from the ASI has attributed four levels of danger to the snakes that are seen in Randfontein.
He said while one should be careful of all snakes, some are dangerous, causing human fatalities, and some are mildly venomous while many are harmless.
• Also read: Snake sightings has Elandsvlei on their toes
According to Marais, Randfontein has around 21 species, of which only three to five are considered dangerous, the rest are harmless.
The Rinkhals, Boomslang and Puff Adder are the most dangerous snakes found in the area. Snakes that are considered harmless include the Aurora House Snake, the Brown House Snake, the Common Wolf Snake, the Brown Water Snake, the Rhombic Egg-eater and Bibron’s Blind Snake.
Further, Marais advised on what to do in the event of a snakebite:
• Keep the victim calm and immobilised and transport the victim to the closest hospital without delay
• If the victim stops breathing, resort to artificial respiration or use a bag valve mask
• Call the Poison Information Centre Helpline on 0861 555 777
Do not:
• apply a tourniquet
• cut and suck the wound
• use ice or very hot water
• give the victim alcohol
• apply electric shock
• inject anti-venom randomly (it must be administered by a qualified doctor)
