Exotic snake bites in Switzerland
Stadelmann, M.; Ionescu, M.; Chilcott, M.; Berney, J.-L.; Gétaz, L.
Revue Medicale Suisse 6(248): 969-972
2010
ISSN/ISBN: 1660-9379 PMID: 20545262 Document Number: 644471
Exotic snake bites are not rare in Switzerland. Treatment can be challenging for medical staff particularly as rapid and focused management are critical to improve patient outcome. The case of a young herpetologist bitten by an exotic venomous snake is used to review measures to be taken before arrival at the emergency department and to highlight key points of management. Resources for the obtention of expert advice and antivenoms are also reported.