What to do if bitten by a common viper. Bitten by a poisonous snake: what to do, how to provide help, consequences of the bite. Typical complications of intoxication

The viper is a poisonous snake that lives in a wide variety of climatic conditions. There are more than 200 species of these reptiles, found all over the world except Australia and Antarctica. Contrary to popular belief, these creatures are peaceful and attack humans in exceptional cases.

Distinctive features of vipers and properties of snake venom

Most common in Russia common viper. It belongs to the order of squamates, the family of vipers (vipers). Vipers have a short and thick body, ranging from 30 to 80 cm in length. Moreover, females are always larger than males. The snake's head has a characteristic triangle shape that distinguishes it from other types of reptiles. Weight reaches 50-180 g, and life expectancy is 15-30 years.

Vipers have excellent day and night vision and feed on small rodents, frogs, insects, and birds. The colors of reptiles are varied - in gray-blue, dark brown tones or black. Most often, males are lighter than females. Typical of both sexes is a dark stripe running along the reptile's spine.

This species of snake tends to lead sedentary image life, occasionally migrating to winter habitats. Vipers are cold-blooded, therefore thermophilic, they love to spend time basking in the sun. In autumn and spring they can often be found in forest clearings and edges, at the edge of swamps and ponds, on garden plots and in places of land management works.

It is important to know some behavioral features of these reptiles:

• Vipers are not the first to show aggression towards people and always try to hide from them.
• Hissing is a warning sign indicating the presence of a snake, not a desire to bite.
• The cause of a viper attack is most often careless and unintentional human actions..

Viper venom is not only a dangerous substance, but also a medicinal raw material used in the manufacture of medicinal and cosmetics. It has a complex composition, including proteins, lipids, peptides, amino acids, salts of inorganic origin, and sugar. It also contains a large number of necrotizing enzymes that cause negative processes in blood cells and tissues.

Reptile venom poses the greatest danger to people with serious illnesses cardiovascular system, and who did not receive timely medical care.

Symptoms of a viper bite.

Every year in the Russian Federation, several thousand cases of encounters between a person and a viper, ending in a bite, are registered. The latter, as a rule, is not fatal, but is painful and causes serious conditions requiring emergency medical attention.

According to statistics, death comes only in 1% of cases. This is due to a small amount of poison injected at the time of the bite.

Most often, the lower or upper limbs become the target of the reptile. The bite is considered more dangerous the closer it is to the head.

Once in the body, the poison is instantly absorbed into the blood. As a result, the following symptoms appear within 20 minutes or less:

• burning pain, redness and swelling around the wound;
• dizziness;
• nausea;
• chills;
• rapid heartbeat.

At the site of the bite, 2 small dots remain - traces of snake teeth.

After some time, the affected area swells and the skin acquires a bluish tint. When a limb is bitten, there is numbness in the fingers.

Reptile venom has a strong hemolytic effect, leading to accelerated blood clotting. As a result, the wounds heal quite quickly.

With an increased concentration of toxic substances after a bite from a common viper, a person may experience fainting, convulsions, internal hemorrhage, develop kidney failure and coma.

First aid

Due to the immediate spread of viper venom in the victim’s body, first aid should be provided as soon as possible (within half an hour). In its absence, there is a high probability of severe consequences and death.

You will need to do the following:

• Immobilize the victim by placing his legs above the level of his head (this is necessary to reduce the effect of the poison on the brain).
• By pressing on the wound, remove the poison from it by suction (in this case, it must be spat out, and there should be no ulcers or open wounds in the mouth).
• Disinfect the bite site with an alcohol-containing solution or hydrogen peroxide (do not burn it thermally!), and apply a loose bandage to it.
• Provide the bite victim with plenty of fluids (still water, weak tea).
• If possible, cool the affected area of ​​the body..

Suction process snake venom causes a lot of controversy regarding its safety and effectiveness. This type of assistance remains the most accessible in field conditions and is relevant during 3-5 minutes after bite. Ingestion of a small amount of poison is not dangerous, since it is completely digested by gastric juice. After providing assistance, it is recommended to rinse your mouth with a solution of potassium permanganate.

If your health worsens, intravenous administration of antihistamines is recommended ( Suprastin, Prednisolone Diphenhydramine), taking antipyretics ( Aspirin). If you faint, you will need to perform artificial respiration and cardiac massage. It is strictly forbidden to give alcohol to the victim, as it can greatly enhance the toxic effect of snake venom. Also, you should not cut the bite site, so as not to complicate the condition of the bitten person by developing an infection.

Due to the increased risk of being bitten by snakes while in nature, it is necessary to carry a first aid kit with essential medical supplies and have basic medical care skills. First of all, this rule applies to tourists, hunters, mushroom pickers and fishermen.

Treatment after a bite

In a medical institution, a patient who has become a victim of a snake attack is prescribed therapy with anticoagulants (blood thinners), the administration of painkillers, drugs to maintain cardiac activity, and saline to more quickly remove the poison from the body. A course of broad-spectrum antibiotics will be required.

Additionally, blood and urine tests and tetanus prevention are required. Elderly people and those with heart problems are recommended to undergo an ECG. In case of a sharp fall blood pressure the patient is prescribed Dopamine, Norexadrin, Heptamil. Surgical treatment methods may be used.

Most often, after a viper bite, no complex treatment is required. drug treatment. At feeling normal the victim can be sent home within 12 hours after assistance and observation. In more severe cases, the patient may be kept in the hospital for 2-3 days to monitor his condition.

If pain at the site of the bite increases, fever, nosebleeds, discolored urine, difficulty breathing, or increased sweating, the patient will need to return to the hospital.

Is there an antidote?

The domestic antidote for the bite of this species of reptile is known as “Serums against the venom of the common viper”. It is produced using horse serum.

The drug is used intramuscularly and has the appearance of a clear liquid. Contains antibodies that neutralize viper venom. The drug is not the only one of its kind; there are several of its foreign analogues.

The serum should be used only for its intended purpose, as it is not effective against other types of snakes. The administration of the drug is not well tolerated by everyone and can cause anaphylactic shock, so it should only be done under the supervision of a physician.

The dose is divided into several doses. For the first time, 0.1 ml is injected under the skin of the bitten person. If there is no negative reaction within 15 minutes, the next injection (0.25 ml) is given. After the same period of time, the last injection is performed.

The drug should be stored at temperatures up to +8 degrees in the refrigerator. If this condition is not met, a cloudy sediment appears in the ampoule, which makes the serum unsuitable for use.

How to avoid being bitten when encountering a reptile

While in the lap of nature, you must follow simple safety rules. First of all, it is important to prevent an unwanted encounter with a reptile. Simple ways– move noisily, choose well-trodden paths. Snakes do not have hearing, but they can sense approaching steps well. In this case, the viper will try to hide in a secluded place as soon as possible.

When you are in the area where snakes live, the correct equipment is also important (thick socks, fairly loose trousers, high shoes with thick soles).

When picking mushrooms or berries, you should use gloves and a long stick, and do not push the grass with unprotected hands. Under no circumstances should you go into the forest or to a pond barefoot.

You should be extremely careful and look at your feet more often. If you notice a snake, you should not approach or chase it. Any obsessive behavior on the part of people can cause dangerous attack. You should be especially careful during the period when the female gives birth to her cubs (August-September), when reptiles are especially sensitive to outside presence.

IN winter time the likelihood of a collision with reptiles is minimal, since during this period they hibernate. Vipers are active from March to October. At this time of year, lovers of being in nature need to remember that this type of snake does not pursue the goal of attacking humans. Producing the amount of venom required for a bite is a huge burden on the body, so aggression is an extreme measure of self-defense.

Common viper - proper handling of the reptile. The educational video below will help you learn a lot of interesting things about these beautiful but deadly creatures.

The total number of snake species on Earth is three thousand, which are grouped into 13 families. And only five families pose a danger to humans. The toxicity of snake saliva is due to the presence of various enzymes. Vipers belong to the family Viperidae, which includes 58 species. Largest quantity species lives in Central Africa and parts of Eurasia. It is believed that it is almost impossible to suffer from viper venom North Africa And East Asia. There they were replaced by rattlesnakes.

The appearance of vipers is distinguished by a triangular shape, a clear neck, a short and thick body, which sharply tapers and ends with a short tail. The color of the viper allows it to remain unnoticed, that is, it has a protective color. The venom apparatus of reptiles is considered one of the most advanced in the administration of poison. The Gaboon viper has the longest fangs among snakes - up to five cm. Thanks to this structure of the venomous apparatus, the Gaboon viper injects a huge amount of poison. The secretory activity of the glands reaches its peak on the eighth day after the bite. Attacks occur during hunting or for the purpose of self-defense (see).

The effect of viper venom on the human body

One of the most common and aggressive species refers to the noisy viper, which lives in Africa. Many people die from the bite of this snake every year. Its venom is cytotoxic and destroys tissue. The bite causes sharp pain, inflammation, bleeding and necrosis.

The toxic effect of viper venom on humans is due to the presence in the saliva of proteolytic enzymes, neurotoxic components that are highly active and cause death after a bite. Poisoning by viper venom is characterized by swelling and necrosis of tissue in the bite area. In addition to the local reaction, a person exhibits signs of damage to organs and systems. The most threatening condition occurs with the development of a state of shock, the signs of which are:

• heart failure,
• dysfunction and structure of blood elements,
• rapid blood thickening
• the formation of blood clots and the development of thromboembolism,
• water-electrolyte imbalance,
• depression of the functions of the central nervous system,
• decrease in circulating blood volume.

It is recommended to find out if it is poisonous and what to do if you encounter a snake.

It is useful to read why it is dangerous: first aid for a snake attack.

The poison contains substances that affect nervous system, heart and protein (see). After a bite, under the influence of venom, biological substances such as histamine (a mediator of allergic reactions) and bradykinin (a mediator of inflammation) are released. Under the influence of these substances, blood pressure drops, trophic processes are disrupted, and tissues die.

Since the structure and functions of blood components are disrupted, hemorrhagic edema occurs. A person quickly develops a water-electrolyte imbalance, which adversely affects all vital organs and systems.

Blood clotting disorders lead to heavy internal blood loss. Due to blood thickening, the human cardiovascular system suffers.

What does viper venom consist of?

The poisonous saliva of the viper contains the neurotoxin crotoxin B - an alkaline protein, as well as a non-toxic acidic protein - crotapotin (or crotoxin A). However, this non-toxic protein, together with crotoxin, forms a very active neurotoxic complex. Once in the human bloodstream after a bite, the crotoxin protein affects neuromuscular conduction, that is, it blocks muscle contraction.

In addition to the neurotoxic complex, the venom of various vipers contains toxins such as:

1. Hyroxin - affects the vestibular apparatus (see).
2. Crotamine – causes clonic convulsions and temporary paralysis.
3. Caudoxin - has a toxic effect on muscles.
4. Vipoxin is the main component of the poison, causing death. Affects neuromuscular transmission.
5. Viperotoxin – causes hemodynamic disturbances.

The venom contains enzymatic components that cause local tissue damage, swelling, and muscle necrosis. Such components are divided into two groups:

1. Serine proteases. playing important role in their effect on the blood coagulation system, cause serious coagulation disorders. The action of the toxin leads to thromboembolism or small focal hemorrhages (hemorrhages). The poison first causes blood to clot inside the vessel, and then acts so that the blood cannot clot for a long time.
2. Heat-labile proteins that affect hemoglobin, insulin, casein.

Treatment methods after a viper bite

Pathogenetic therapy is of great importance in the treatment of affected patients. The duties of doctors include:

• restoration of circulating blood volume,
• normalization of blood clotting,
• restoration of microcirculation.

Patients are prescribed heparin, blood infusions, solutions (see) and Albumin, Hydrocortisone. However, the most effective method is to administer serum against viper venom. Purified serum neutralizes viper venom thanks to specific antibodies.

Important! When administering serum, it is important to consider that anaphylactic shock may develop.

The prognosis is improved by first aid:

1. Suction the poison from the wound for five minutes.
2. Immobilization of the limb, application of a splint.
3. Prompt delivery of the victim to the hospital.
4. If possible, take a photo of the snake that bit the person. This way, the medical institution will provide adequate assistance faster.

Russell's viper venom

Russell's viper is one of the most dangerous snakes for humans. Its poison affects the blood and can destroy body tissue, leading to death. This viper lives in South and Southeast Asia. The peculiarity of this snake is that at the moment of its bite it injects a large amount of poison. This leads to quick death if medical attention is not provided in time.

After a bite, the victim experiences a painful shock, which is accompanied by a drop in blood pressure. Blisters appear at the site of the bite, and the face swells. Within a few seconds, the victim's blood begins to clot. The poison affects the kidneys, provokes hemorrhage in the brain, and affects the pituitary gland.

According to research, in people who survived the bite, the activity of the pituitary gland decreased, which led to premature aging of the body. To complications toxic effect relate:

• decreased libido,
• menstrual irregularities,
• low body temperature,
• pale skin,
• body hair loss,
• hypotension,
• drowsiness,
• fatigue,
• apathy,
• decreased mental activity.

It is useful to read about

Bites from viper snakes are not that uncommon in areas where they are common. The common viper, steppe viper and Pallas's copperhead live on the territory of Russia. Snakes bite people solely for self-defense. Most often this happens when a person is in a hurry and does not look at his feet, steps on a snake, or the viper does not have time to crawl away.

Viper venom has the ability to increase the permeability of the vascular wall (hemorrhages appear), causes blood clotting and tissue necrosis in the bite area. Deaths account for less than 1% of those bitten and are mainly associated with delayed first aid or incorrect use of the antidote for a viper bite. It is dangerous if the bite falls on the neck and head area, small children, elderly people or patients with chronic diseases are affected.

The antidote against a viper bite should be administered by a doctor, who will also prescribe symptomatic treatment depending on the degree of damage to the body.

What antidotes are there for a viper bite? Let's find out.

First aid to the victim

Before we talk about antidotes, let's remind you what to do in such cases, what needs to be done first, because this is also very important.

The victim should be taken to the nearest medical center as quickly as possible. In areas where there are cases of poisonous snake bites, medical institutions are equipped with an antidote for the viper.

Viper antidote

The antidote for a viper bite is a specific serum. This is what it's called: “Serum against the venom of the common viper”. It is produced in biofactories, based on horse serum. The antibodies contained in it neutralize the venom of the common viper. The drug is a clear liquid in a glass ampoule. The volume depends on the activity of the drug in each batch, but not more than 3 ml. There is also foreign analogues medicines.

There are a few things to consider.

Symptomatic treatment for viper bites

There are cases when, after a viper bite, antivenom is not available. Then you will have to take first aid measures and rely on symptomatic treatment.

In field conditions, you can give the victim the following medications.

A viper bite can have long-term consequences in the form of disruption of the liver and kidneys. It should also be borne in mind that usually the reaction to the poison develops 15–20 minutes after contact with the snake, but sometimes this period reaches 12 hours. Within 2-3 days after assistance, the swelling at the bite site should subside, and overall health should improve. It is recommended to consult a doctor in any case, since at first you may need hospitalization and intravenous administration of medications.

The common viper is the most common species of venomous snake in Eurasia. Compared to its non-venomous relatives, the viper has a more massive, shortened body with a length of 65 cm to 1 m, an expanded shield-shaped head and a vertical pupil. Color ranges from light gray to black, predominantly with a diamond or zigzag pattern on the back.

The viper lives in mixed forests, on the banks of freshwater bodies of water, peat bogs, outskirts of fields and wet meadows. It makes shelter in burrows, piles of branches and damp dead wood. Sometimes it can settle in garden plots in old piles of firewood, construction waste etc. The bite of a viper is painful for humans and in some cases can be fatal.

Vipers

IN natural environment In their habitat, snakes try to avoid meeting people. Since they do not have ears, reptiles sense the approach of a person by vibrations in the soil using their abdomen. It happens that forest floor, consisting of peat or thick grass, makes it difficult for vibrations to spread, and the viper notices the danger too late. In this case, the snake first tries to scare off the enemy by hissing, curling up into a ball. If this does not help, he attacks with a short sharp throw. The length of the throw is approximately one third of the length of the snake's body.

A viper bite is dangerous for humans due to the possibility of developing anaphylactic shock, since the venom often causes allergic reactions. Whether or not a bite turns out to be fatal depends on the promptness of first aid and the correctness of actions. It is important to remember that rescue measures must begin immediately, since the toxic substance rapidly spreads throughout the body.

Experienced herpetologists, in response to the question of whether the bite of this snake is fatal, claim that for an adult who is not allergic to the components of the poisonous substance, the poison is practically safe. The amount of toxin in common viper designed for killing small animals, this volume is not enough for humans. However, if an hour after the bite the victim experiences symptoms such as vomiting or diarrhea, flashing lights in the eyes, bleeding from the mucous membranes and loss of consciousness, the person must be taken to the hospital immediately.

Symptoms and signs of a snake bite

Immediately after a person has been bitten by a viper, two small round holes with minor bruising will be observed at the site of the lesion.

There is no severe bleeding from a viper bite, because the venom has a hemolytic effect - the blood in the wounds quickly clots.

The damaged area turns red, becomes hot to the touch, and a sharp pain occurs, which increases with the development of swelling. The most commonly observed symptoms are:

• lethargy;
• nausea;
• dizziness;
• cardiopalmus;
• dyspnea.

In rare cases, a state of inhibition is observed. As the poison spreads over the entire surface of the affected limb, numerous subcutaneous bruises, bruises and hematomas occur. These symptoms disappear completely after 2–3 weeks.

First aid to the victim

The main thing in a critical situation is to try to remain calm. In most cases, irreparable damage to health is caused by improper medical care, and not by the bite itself. To avoid common mistakes, let's consider what to do if you are bitten by a viper. Most often, the incident happens in the forest, and it is not possible to quickly deliver the victim to a medical facility. In this case, first aid must be provided independently and as quickly as possible.

It is important to remember that the closer the snake bite is to the head, the more dangerous it is. Rapidly developing swelling, which spreads to the mucous membranes of the nose and larynx, leads to difficulty breathing. Delay can be fatal. The first step is to immediately take any antiallergic drug. It is better if it is an injection of Dexamethasone or Diphenhydramine. These drugs have a powerful anti-inflammatory effect, relieve swelling and prevent the development of anaphylactic shock.

If the bite is on your arms or legs, you can try to suck out the poison from the wound. This should be done in the first 3-5 minutes after the bite. After this time, the procedure loses its meaning, since the special enzyme contained in the viper's venom - hyaluronidase - quickly removes toxic substances from the wound into the lymphatic system.

To suck out the poison, you need to open the wound, pressing on the bite site so that a skin fold. When droplets of blood appear, it is necessary to remove the poison with short suction movements, constantly spitting out the contents. The procedure must be continued for 10–15 minutes. After this, it is advisable to treat the bite site with a solution of hydrogen peroxide and cover the wound with a clean bandage to prevent infection.

The victim should be given more liquid to drink: it is better if it is water. If you have lingonberry leaves on hand, you can brew tea from them. This will enhance the diuretic effect, and the poison will leave the body faster. Coffee and alcohol are contraindicated: their vasodilating and nervous system-stimulating actions can aggravate the situation, contributing to more rapid poisoning.

The injured limb must be fixed motionless, since when moving, the blood circulates more actively and the poison spreads faster throughout the body. After providing first aid, the victim must be taken to a medical facility as quickly as possible, where the person will be injected with a snake antidote to neutralize toxic substances in the body. If you do not promptly seek qualified medical help or take incorrect actions in the first hours after the bite, you may experience dangerous consequences. Complications can be severe, up to the onset of chronic renal failure or death.

Treatment

In the hospital, the person will be given an injection of serum, the necessary procedures will be carried out, the wound will be treated with an antiseptic and a sterile bandage will be applied. The viper antidote begins to work after a few hours. All this time, the patient should be under the supervision of a doctor, who, if necessary, will prescribe additional medications.

It takes about 5–7 days until the symptoms of poisoning disappear. Treatment of a bite during this period consists of following bed rest and the recommendations of the attending physician. In some cases, the affected limb may hurt for another 2–3 weeks. To reduce pain during sleep, it is necessary to build an elevation on the bed and place the affected limb 15–20 cm above the level of the heart. This position will help relieve discomfort, since lymph circulation in the limb will be limited.

What not to do if bitten by a viper

There is often information that when bitten by snakes, a tight bandage or tourniquet must be applied to the affected part of the body to prevent the spread of the poisonous substance throughout the body. This opinion is wrong; under no circumstances should a tourniquet be applied. The enzyme contained in the viper's venom causes tissue necrosis. IN limited space this process occurs rapidly, gangrene begins. A large number of toxins that accumulate, when the bandage is loosened, enter the bloodstream and cause severe poisoning of the body. In the worst case, such actions can lead to amputation of a limb.

Do not cut the bite or try to cauterize it with alcohol solutions, potassium permanganate or any other chemicals. These manipulations will not affect the poison in any way, but will lead to infection in the wound and the development of complications.

Prevention

When going into nature, you need to remember the main safety rules, be extremely careful and watch your step. It is necessary to select the right clothes which will help protect against bites. Trousers made of thick fabric and high boots are the most suitable option for walking around tall grass and marshy areas. When picking mushrooms or berries, before you put your hand in the grass or a pile of old branches, you need to check with a stick to see if there is a snake there.

When setting up an overnight stay in the forest, you must remember that at night vipers can crawl to the fire and crawl into tents and sleeping bags to warm themselves. In these conditions, it is important to always have a flashlight and carefully examine the area before stepping somewhere, sitting or lying down.

If the meeting could not be avoided, you need to remember that the snake is also afraid. The reptile perceives a person as a potential threat and will attack only as a last resort. It is necessary to remain calm and not make sudden movements. Having made sure that nothing threatens it, the viper will quickly leave.

Pulmonologist, Therapist, Cardiologist, Functional Diagnostics Doctor. Doctor highest category. Work experience: 9 years. Graduated from Khabarovsk State Medical Institute, clinical residency in therapy. I am engaged in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of diseases of internal organs, and also conduct medical examinations. I treat respiratory diseases, gastrointestinal tract, of cardio-vascular system.

Many of us like to spend free time active: organize hikes in the forest with an overnight stay, go to conquer mountains, swim in reservoirs. Leisure not only gives unforgettable emotions and an encounter with beautiful landscapes, but danger can await a person - vipers, which are also part of nature. Are you ready to meet them?

General information about the viper

The viper family includes 58 species. Snakes live in Europe, Asia and Africa. All representatives of the viper family are poisonous and dangerous to humans. They mainly lead a terrestrial lifestyle. The exceptions are:

The most numerous types of vipers are:

• steppe viper. The snake is brown-gray on top and runs along the body. dark stripe. Lives in the steppes. The snake is small, has short fangs, and injects a small amount of venom into the victim. No deaths have been recorded after being bitten by this viper. Lives in the steppes Western Europe, in the forest-steppe regions of southern Russia, in the Caucasus, found in Crimea;
• Caucasian viper. Distinctive feature - bright color. Color varies from yellowish-orange to brick red. The snake is not large, rarely grows up to 60 cm in length. Only a few are known deaths from her bite. Distributed in the regions of the Western Caucasus and Transcaucasia, found in Eastern Turkey. In the northern direction it lives on the territory of the Krasnodar Territory;
• long-nosed viper. It got its name due to the presence of a soft spike at the tip of its muzzle, shaped like a nose. Lives in northeastern Italy, in the countries Balkan Peninsula, on the territory of Yugoslavia, Romania, in the regions of Asia Minor, in the mountains of Armenia and Georgia;
• noisy viper. The snake is large, with a thick body, reaching 1.5 meters in length. When an enemy is close, it emits a very loud hissing sound. The probability of death from a bite is 15–20%. Distributed throughout Africa;
• Gaboon viper. It has a thick body and grows up to 2 meters in length. The color of the snake is variegated and spectacular. The different colors form a clear geometric pattern on the surface of the snake. The snake is very calm and rarely attacks people. However, the bite of this viper almost always ends in the death of the victim: the snake has long fangs, which leads to the rapid penetration of poison into the body. Lives in Liberia, South Sudan, Angola;
• common viper. There are gray and Brown, a dark stripe is visible along the body. Fatalities after being bitten by this snake are rare. Distributed throughout Eurasia.

Photo gallery: representatives of the viper family

The common viper has a simple color. Various colors form a geometric pattern on the back of the Gaboon viper. The Caucasian viper is distinguished by its bright color. The snake has a powerful and thick body. Steppe viper- a small snake. The soft spine at the tip of the viper’s muzzle is similar to a nose.

Viper ordinary people often mistaken for a snake. External signs snake, distinguishing it from a viper:

• there is no dark stripe along the ridge;
• uniform coloring;
• Below the head is a yellow collar.

The snake's distinctive feature is its bright yellow collar.

Unlike the viper, it is not poisonous.

The common viper can be found in many places:

• on forest edges;
• in the forest and spruce forest;
• V mixed forest with abundant grass cover;
• in the forest-steppe zone;
• on the banks of rivers and lakes;
• in the meadows;
• in rural gardens.

In summer, snakes make their nests in abandoned burrows of other animals, among large stones, under haystacks, and in rotten stumps. They can be forced to leave their home either by human intervention or by lack of food. Snakes hunt at night: they catch small rodents and birds. During the day they sleep in the nest or crawl out to bask in the sun, lying on paths, stumps, and stones. In winter they hibernate, which ends at the end of April.

Why does a snake bite a person?

The snake has no reason to attack. The viper is not aggressive and, when it encounters a person, crawls away. A snake bites if it feels threatened - this happens when a person accidentally steps on it or invades its habitat. Vipers live in groups, choosing places suitable for wintering. In such areas, the number of snakes can exceed 90 individuals per 1 hectare. When entering places where vipers accumulate, a person is exposed to increased danger.

Vipers hibernate in groups

Feeling a threat, the viper first hisses, rises above the ground, and scares the person with threatening throws. If a person makes sudden movements, the snake attacks.

Before attacking, the viper scares the victim

The viper has large fangs in its mouth. The poisonous gland is located above the upper jaw and is connected to it by an arcuate duct. This shape of the duct makes it possible to rotate the jaw, while the venom flows to the fangs without obstacles. When bitten, the temporal muscles located near the poisonous glands actively contract; the poison enters the person subcutaneously, intramuscularly or through a vascular canal. Upon penetration into a vessel, it spreads throughout the body instantly. The amount of poison is small, the snake uses it sparingly: it will take a long time to create a new portion.

In the viper's mouth there are two poisonous fangs, which the snake plunges into the victim.

Viper venom belongs to the group of hemovasotoxic poisons that can damage small vessels, destroy red blood cells and impair blood clotting. A snake bite is most dangerous in the spring: the venom contains more toxins than at other times. According to statistics, 1% of victims, most often small children, die from viper bites.

Vipers are excellent swimmers, so you can also find them in the water.

Vipers are excellent swimmers and can travel long distances through water.

Snake bites in water are rare. Vipers settle at a decent distance from the water and end up in it, crossing to the other side. The viper’s maneuverability in water is higher than that of a human; when threatened, the snake will try to swim away quickly.

Symptoms of a viper bite

The severity of symptoms from a viper bite depends on factors:

• body weight of the victim. How less people weighs, the brighter the symptoms after the bite. Therefore, small children suffer it more severely than adults;
• localization of wounds from snake teeth. Bites to a blood vessel, the surface of the head and neck pose a particular threat;
• air temperature. At high temperature intoxication of the body occurs more actively;
• amount of poison. A viper bite can occur without injection of poison if the viper has recently sunk its teeth into a person or animal and a new portion of poison has not yet been produced.

Local symptoms:

Common signs of a snake bite:

• weakness throughout the body;
• dizziness;
• headache;
• tachycardia;
• nausea;
• vomit.

If a child is bitten or the venom of a viper gets into a vessel, the symptoms appear quickly and are severe:

• the motor function of the bitten limb is impaired;
• paralysis spreads to the entire body, affecting the facial muscles;
• breathing becomes intermittent and heavy;
• swallowing function decreases;
• heart function is disrupted;
• uncontrolled urination is observed.

First aid

Actions to take when bitten by a viper:

1. Immediately go to the hospital or call an ambulance.
2. Try to suck out the poison. This action gives results within 10-15 minutes after the snake bite, before swelling appears. The latter indicates that the poison has spread to the surrounding tissues and there is no point in continuing the procedure. The skin around the wound is folded and squeezed so that drops of blood appear. The sucked liquid is immediately spat out. The person sucking out the poison must rinse his mouth with a disinfectant solution after the procedure. If there is no antiseptic, use water to rinse.
3. Treat the bite site with hydrogen peroxide, chlorhexidine or another antiseptic.
4. Immobilize the bitten part of the body: with activity, the spread of poison throughout the body accelerates. If the bite is made in the hand, the limb is fixed in a bent position. If the bite is made in the leg, then it is tied to the second lower limb, and the victim is laid so that the legs are above the level of the pelvis. This pose stabilizes blood circulation.
5. Apply a loose bandage to the wound. Use a bandage or clean cloth.
6. To reduce swelling, periodically apply cold to the wound, best option- ice. Every 5–7 minutes, the cold is removed from the bite site to avoid frostbite of the limb.
7. The victim needs to drink a lot: about 3 liters of liquid. Use water, juices, soda.
8. If possible, take an antihistamine: Zyrtec, Suprastin, Tavegil, Fenkarol.

Before receiving medical help, it is prohibited:

• use alcohol to treat the wound;
• apply a tourniquet (tight bandage) to the surface of the bite. This will provoke necrosis of the limb;
• cut the wound yourself to release the poison. There is a high probability of infection;
• apply earth or grass to the wound. There is a risk of contracting tetanus;
• the victim should drink alcohol, which increases intoxication of the body and reduces the effect of the anti-snake serum.

Video: how to behave correctly if bitten by a viper

Medical care in hospital

In the hospital, treatment of a viper bite occurs according to a certain scheme:

1. Serum is injected.
2. Infusion of glucose, Ringer's, and sodium chloride solutions is used to eliminate toxins from the body.
3. Diuretics are prescribed (Furosemide, Trifas).
4. The victim is given an antihistamine to take orally or administered intramuscularly, if this is not done before arriving at the hospital.
5. A tetanus vaccination is given regardless of whether the person has been vaccinated regularly or not.
6. Glucocorticoids (Dexamethasone, Prednisol) are prescribed, which have anti-inflammatory and antiallergic effects.
7. To avoid a purulent process in the body, broad-spectrum antibiotics (Cefotaxime, Cefepime) are used.
8. For preventive purposes, in order to prevent liver and kidney failure, hepatoprotectors (Berlition, Gepadif) are prescribed.
9. In case of severe intoxication of the body, hemodialysis is performed.
10. For symptoms of heart failure, Cordiamine and Caffeine are used.
11. In case of excessive bleeding, blood transfusions are used.
12. If the victim begins to have convulsions, calcium gluconate is administered intravenously.

When bitten by a viper, Serum is used against the venom of the common viper. It must be administered within a few hours after the snake bite. The serum contains antibodies that can neutralize snake venom. The antidote is based on horse serum. It is important to pay attention to some points:

• The serum is used only for a viper bite; if a person has been injured by other snakes, the antidote will not work. It is also prohibited to administer serums intended to neutralize the venom of other types of snakes when bitten by a viper. Previously, Antigyurza serum was used in hospitals, but its action was not always effective and it caused many side effects;
• The serum must be administered by a doctor. Improper use of antivenom can harm the victim. There is a possibility of anaphylactic shock due to an allergic reaction to a foreign protein;
• The serum is administered subcutaneously in a dosage of 0.1 ml. If there is no allergic reaction at the injection site, another 0.25 ml of antidote is injected after 20 minutes. Then, after 15 minutes, the rest of the antidote is used. The doctor selects the required volume of administered serum based on the severity of symptoms;
• if poison intoxication is severe, the antidote is administered intravenously using a dropper.

Diagnosis of a viper bite

The hospital conducts a thorough diagnosis of the patient's condition. The necessary studies are prescribed:

• general blood analysis. Allows you to estimate the number of leukocytes, platelets, red blood cells, hemoglobin level;
• blood chemistry. Helps track the functioning of internal organs. The toxic effects of the venom can affect the functioning of the kidneys and liver. Liver parameters are assessed: bilirubin, ALT (alanine aminotransferase), AST (aspartate aminotransferase), alkaline phosphatase, albumin; renal parameters: uric acid, creatinine, urea;
• Coagulogram is a test that helps evaluate blood clotting. The prothrombin index (PTI), fibrinogen, thrombosed time and other indicators are determined;
• general urine analysis. Helps track changes in the functioning of the urinary system;
• electrocardiogram. This test monitors abnormalities in the heart;
• chest x-ray. It is done if pulmonary edema is suspected.

Treatment prognosis and possible complications

If an adult is bitten by a viper, but first aid is provided correctly, the victim is quickly taken to the hospital, the prognosis is generally good.

When small children are bitten, the consequences are more severe and death can occur. Before arriving at the hospital, severe intoxication of the body may occur, which leads to liver or kidney failure. Therefore, it is important to get the child to the hospital as quickly as possible.

A pregnant woman has a high risk of intoxication not only of her own body, but also of the fetus. After a snake attack, you should undergo a thorough examination.

If a person refuses medical care after a snake bite, complications may develop:

• tetanus;
• lymphedema;
• phlebothrombosis.

There are bacteria in the viper's mouth, and after a bite there is a possibility of developing tetanus. It can also be caused by soil or dirty grass getting into the wound if hygiene rules are not followed. Symptoms of tetanus:

Tetanus is often fatal.

Lymphedema is a condition in which, due to infection, the outflow of fluid through the lymphatic vessels is disrupted, causing swelling of the soft tissues of the affected limb. Symptoms:

Conservative treatment of lymphedema does not always give a positive result, and there is often a need for surgical intervention.

Phlebothrombosis may occur in the bitten limb, which is characterized by the formation of blood clots in the veins. Symptoms:

Phlebothrombosis is treated surgically.

How to protect yourself from trouble

A viper bite can be avoided if you follow simple rules:

When stopping in the forest for the night, take steps to reduce the risk of a viper attack:

• create strong vibrations in the soil: stomp, jump. Snakes will leave such a place;
• close tents tightly. Press the edges of the tent to the ground with stones;
• do not leave clothes outside the tent;
• Be careful when moving through the forest at night. Snakes are active in dark time days.

A person is able to prevent a snake from attacking; the safety rules are simple and straightforward. If an incident has already occurred, do not panic: stressful situation we often do wrong things. Try to get medical help as quickly as possible and do not refuse it.