About bites of poisonous snakes and spiders for ATO participants and not only for them

"Title": "Dangers Associated with Snakes and Spiders in the ATO Zone", "Summary": "Participants in the events in Donbas face problems related to possible bites from venomous snakes and spiders. This material provides a description of dangerous and non-dangerous snakes, recommendations for first aid in case of a snakebite, and information about karakurt spiders and their bites.", "Body": "Participants in the current events in Donbas have become concerned about problems related to possible bites from venomous snakes. Many volunteers are trying to provide Ukrainian defenders with a 'panacea' – antivenom serum; for some participants, the fear of snakes hinders them from accomplishing their tasks. This document provides: firstly, a fairly detailed description of dangerous and non-dangerous snakes; secondly, an explanation of what to do in case of a snakebite; thirdly, information about karakurt spiders and their bites, and finally, a brief summary from the verbose part of the text."

Participants of the Anti-Terrorist Operation (ATO) and those responsible for their health have become concerned about the possibility of snake bites. This was to be expected: 2014 was a "mouse year" (with high numbers of mouse-like rodents), and in 2015 the population of vipers increased dramatically. Vipers are the only snakes in Ukraine that pose a danger to humans. They inhabit practically the entire territory of the country. Somewhat simplifying, one can say that the common adder (Vipera berus) lives in Polissia, the Nikolsky's viper (Vipera nikolski) in the Forest-Steppe, and the steppe viper (Vipera renardi; older name — Vipera ursinii) in the Steppe. All other snakes in Ukraine, except for vipers, do not pose a danger to humans (at least from the standpoint of their venom). It is important to emphasize that the steppe viper and Nikolsky's viper are listed in the Red Book of Ukraine. The use of their habitats should be strictly regulated by law, and their destruction is prohibited (and punishable by fines). This is quite natural; for example, the steppe ecosystem is an interconnected whole, and the steppe viper is an important part of it.

The steppe viper in images with varying degrees of detail. It is this snake that ATO participants should be wary of first and foremost.

In the forest-steppe areas along the Siverskyi Donets River, another species of viper can be found – Nikolsky's viper. It differs from our other two species by its coal-black color. In Polissia, the common European viper lives, with a rather diverse coloration but an inevitable "viper-like" appearance. All our vipers are small, not very mobile, quite thick snakes. Their heads are widened towards the neck, the posterior half of the head is covered with scales, not large scutes.

Two color variations of the common European viper (left and center) and Nikolsky's viper (right)

The local population in southern Ukraine is often afraid of the yellow-bellied or Caspian whip snake (Dolichophys caspius). This is a large and mobile snake that can sometimes reach 2.5 meters. Its coloration is uniform (young individuals have faint spots). The yellow-bellied whip snake is practically the only snake in Ukraine that can attack humans "on its own initiative"; it coils like a spring and makes sudden lunges, sometimes biting the face. Such an attack makes a strong impression on a person, and after a sudden attack, the yellow-bellied whip snake has time to escape safely. Its bite is harmless; the minimal skin damage caused by its short, thin teeth can be neglected.

And this is the only snake in Ukraine that can attack humans on its own, the yellow-bellied whip snake. If bitten by it, there is nothing to do (well, you can disinfect the wounds for peace of mind).

Probably the most common snake in southern Ukraine is the dice snake (Natrix tessellata). This is a coastal snake specialized in feeding on fish. Its coloration is quite variable. A typical case is dark spots scattered in a checkerboard pattern on a dark or light brown or sandy background; uniform and even practically black dice snakes are found.

These are all dice snakes. They are completely harmless!

How to avoid a viper bite? A viper will never attack a person on its own under any circumstances. Unfortunately, this snake is not very mobile, and it can find itself in a situation where a person poses a real or perceived threat to it. In such a case, it will defend itself with a bite. To avoid being bitten by a viper, where snakes may be present – do not walk barefoot, watch your step, do not pick up objects by touch from the ground, in the grass, or bushes. High boots, loose clothing made of dense fabric, and thick leather gloves reliably protect against accidental viper bites (and from many other troubles, such as thorns and stinging insects).

If you encounter a viper, you simply need to give it an opportunity to leave. For humans, an encounter with a viper poses no particular danger, but for the viper, it is extremely dangerous. If a viper is lying in your path, you can simply stomp your foot harder on the ground, and it will try to hide on its own. In the most extreme case, a viper can be hooked with a stick (at least half a meter long) and thrown aside.

Action of snake venom and relief of the bitten person's condition The active substances of snake venom are proteins. These are several different toxins whose task is to ensure the penetration of venom into the bloodstream and cause a reaction there that is destructive to the victim's body. A significant part of the pathological symptoms of a viper bite is related to the action of the bitten organism's own defense systems. Without going into detail, the reactions to a bite can be divided into local and systemic (general). Local effects include tissue damage and death at the bite site, and swelling.

It is strictly forbidden to: make incisions at the bite site, cauterize it with hot objects, apply cold, or apply constricting bandages. All these actions will worsen local tissue damage, lead to large areas of tissue death, poisoning of the body with decay products, and other troubles. The belief that alcoholic beverages alleviate the clinical picture is also harmful (of course, one can get drunk to insensibility, but this will only worsen the poisoning by viper venom).

After absorption (or without it), simply disinfect the bite site with an antiseptic, cover it with a clean cloth, and try to keep it still and cool.

It is important that a panicked or simply agitated state of the bitten person significantly worsens their condition. The bitten person should be explained that there is no threat to their life; they have, unfortunately, encountered trouble, and after that, their task is to lie relaxed in a cool place, drink plenty of fluids, urinate frequently, sleep a lot, and calmly wait for their body to cope with the consequences of snake venom poisoning.

An important question is whether to use antivenom serum? If the bitten person gets to a hospital where it can be administered, they will almost certainly receive it. The fact is that a typical doctor is afraid of "overlooking" something and not doing what they could have done in a dangerous situation for the patient.

The karakurt spider and its burrow How to avoid a karakurt bite? Clothing and footwear left on the ground within the spiders' reach should be inspected before wearing. { "title": "First Aid for Snake and Spider Bites (Karakurt, Viper)", "summary": "Description of recommendations for immediate actions in case of karakurt and viper bites, including cauterization, pain relief, immobilization, hydration, and symptomatic treatment, as well as recommendations for preventing bites in steppe conditions.", "body": "According to this, the following remedy is recommended: within 1-2 minutes, press the head of a match (or three matches) to the bite site and light them with a burning match, continuing to press them to the skin. Believe me, this remedy requires no heroism (the author has tried it!). You can also burn the bite site with a burning cigarette. After 2 minutes, these actions lose their meaning (the venom has time to spread).\n\nUnlike snake bites, for karakurt bites, pain relief with paracetamol or ibuprofen can be used, and cold compresses can be applied. Other measures are the same as for snake bites. Immobilization (bandaging is possible) of the limb. Abundant drinking. Antihistamines (loratadine or cetirizine). Hormonal anti-inflammatory drug (dexamethasone).\n\nUnfortunately, after a karakurt bite (especially if venom neutralization by shallow burning was not performed), adverse cardiovascular symptoms are possible. The author does not consider it his right to describe the therapeutic actions that should be taken in such a situation. A person bitten by a karakurt, if they remain in an unfavorable condition (e.g., heart failure), should be handed over to a doctor who will provide the necessary symptomatic treatment.\n\nDry residue\n\nIf you have to work or fight in the steppe conditions of southern Ukraine, learn what a steppe viper looks like: a small, clumsy snake with a dark zigzag on a lighter background. In the forest-steppe, you can encounter the coal-black Nikolsky's viper. You should not be afraid of them, but you should protect yourself from their bites. Protect yourself with dense clothing, footwear, and gloves. To reduce the probability of encountering vipers, do not attract mice to your location.\n\nIn case of a viper bite: suck out the venom by mouth (rinse your mouth with water and spit) or with a syringe. Immobilize the limb, removing anything that might constrict it; it can be gently bandaged. Do not burn, do not cut, do not consume alcohol or painkillers! Take an antihistamine (loratadine, cetirizine, etc.), a hormonal anti-inflammatory drug (dexamethasone). For the bitten person: lie still, fear nothing, do not move the affected limb, drink abundantly (Rehydron solution, tea...). Subsequently, symptomatic treatment; for serious heart problems, seek medical attention.\n\nIn the steppe, especially in hot weather, beware of karakurt spiders! These are black spiders with round bodies, which may have white or red spots. Pay attention to hiding places, look for webs; inspect clothing and footwear that a spider might have crawled into; zip up tent flaps. Use dense clothing.\n\nIn case of a karakurt bite, burn the bite site no later than 2 minutes after! Press 1, 2, or 3 match heads to the skin and light them. Take an antihistamine (loratadine, cetirizine, etc.), a hormonal anti-inflammatory drug (dexamethasone), and optionally a painkiller (paracetamol, ibuprofen). For the bitten person: lie still, fear nothing, do not move the affected limb, drink abundantly (Rehydron solution, tea...). Subsequently, symptomatic treatment; for serious heart problems, seek medical attention.\n\nHave an antihistamine (useful in many cases), such as loratadine or cetirizine, and a hormonal anti-inflammatory drug, such as dexamethasone, as well as a syringe, matches, and saline solution (Rehydron) with you. Always have matches with you! Additional information: batrachos.com/bite\n\nGood luck and health!\n\nDear volunteers! Do not waste money and effort on antivenom serum: the necessity of its use is questionable, and the conditions for its use are unlikely to be available. You would do more good if you provided our defenders' first-aid kits with:\n— antihistamines (loratadine, cetirizine, etc.);\n— hormonal anti-inflammatory drug (dexamethasone);\n— saline solution (Rehydron);\n— matches, bandages, syringes.\n\nUseful links:\n— emergency first-aid kit from Yevheniya Komarovsʹkoho;\n— first aid for snake and spider bites from Yevheniya Komarovsʹkoho." }