by Sally Plomley, ISB Health Coordinator
sallyp@isb.ac.th
Rick Nelson, ISB Safety Manager
rickn@isb.ac.th
Warmer weather tends to bring out snakes to our campus and surrounding neighborhoods. Some snakes in southeast Asia are venomous and quite dangerous. Please caution your children to be cautious and avoid bushes and hidden spots. If you see a snake on campus or around your home do not go near or try to capture the snake. Instead, alert an ISB security guard (if by phone at extension 7705) or if in Nichada Thani, a Nichada Security Guard immediately. The guards are trained and have the appropriate equipment to capture and remove the snake.
If someone is bitten by a snake on campus, ensure the person is not at risk of being bitten again and call the nurse (extension 1111). Do not take the person to the nurse. The nurse will clean the wound, immobilise the limb and arrange transfer to hospital.
If bitten in the community, again protect everyone from further bites. Clean the bite with antiseptic solution (such as betadine) and apply a sterile dressing. Remove all jewelry (rings, bracelets, etc.) from the victim. Then apply a firm bandage from the end of the limb to the trunk. Do NOT remove this bandage until at hospital. Limit the movement of the person as you take them to hospital (for example carry them to the car/ambulance if possible). Mongkutwattana General Hospital (34/40 Chaengwattana Rd) stocks antivenom and would be the best hospital to take the person to. If you need an ambulance call World Medical Centre (02 836 9977).
Be aware that many bites do not actually cause envenomation or the snake was not venomous. As there can be complications with giving antivenom most hospitals will observe the patient for signs of envenomation rather than giving the antivenom straight away. They will observe the patient clinically and do blood tests. They will give antivenom if it is indicated.