Safe and effective broad-spectrum, field-stable antivenoms are available for all three syndromes of snake envenomation in this AOR and treatment does not require identification of the species responsible. Snakebite treatment at the point of injury is recommended for AFRICOM due to prolonged evacuation times, high incidence of snakebites, and the high risk of death or permanent disability from many venomous snakes in the AOR if early antivenom treatment is not available.

Adverse Reaction Management

Sudden Collapse Syndrome Treatment Protocol

Patient presents within 30 minutes of the bite with rapid onset shock ± angioedema, altered mental status, systemic bleeding, and diarrhea.1

  1. Stabilize with IM or IV epinephrine and fluids as per anaphylaxis protocols.
  2. Intubate for airway edema not rapidly responsive to epinephrine.
  3. Follow epinephrine immediately with a high dose of the appropriate regional antivenom given by rapid IV or IO push during the resuscitation.
  4. Maintain blood pressure with IV or IO fluids and epinephrine until antivenom takes effect to reverse hypotension.

See Sudden Collapse Syndrome section for more information.

 

CONTACT

For emergency consultations, call the ADVISOR telemedicine hotline (866-972-9966) and select toxicology from the phone menu.

For additional information about snake bite management or this CPG, email jordan@snakebitefoundation.org or call 415-218-2211.