Snake bite: What really helps?
A talk organised by the Land Rover Owners of Namibia took place at the Old Wheelers Club in Windhoek earlier this week, where representatives of the African Snakebite Institute explained to the numerous guests how to act correctly when encountering a snake and what measures to take in the event of a bite.Basically, prevention is the best medicine, according to Dr E.L. Saaiman. She says it is best to stay away from rubble and dense vegetation. "If you do encounter a snake, it is advisable to move away slowly and backwards."
Saaiman then dispelled the many myths surrounding first aid measures. "Practically all measures marketed as helpful, such as applying a pressure bandage or using a suction device, actually have no proven benefit. Instead, in the event of a snake bite, it is of utmost importance to get the victim professional treatment as quickly as possible. In Windhoek, the Roman Catholic Hospital is the best place to go."
A highlight of the event was the presentation of some live specimens, including highly poisonous species such as the Angolan cobra or the zebra snake. To protect the guests from spitting and biting attacks, the reptiles were immobilised using transparent tubes.
Snake catcher Francois Theart, who has personally had many unpleasant experiences with the reptiles, lamented the Namibian government's lack of interest in preserving them. Furthermore, he said that deaths from snake bites are easily preventable, but there is a lack of will to invest in researching and providing effective antidotes, Theart said.