Snake bite victim saves his hide

The quick reaction of a local man literally saved his skin when he was struck by a poisonous snake on Monday. The 20-year-old Richards Bay resident was busy removing steel pipes from a shelf when the snake bit him. He immediately started sucking out the venom in an effort to minimise the damage. He was transported to Netcare The Bay Hospital and admitted to the Emergency Ward where the specialist identified the snake as a type of adder. The snake was presumably curled up inside the pipe when it was disturbed. According to the doctor, the victim’s quick reactions lessened the effects of the poison considerably. He is suffering from severe headaches and pins and needles, which will remain for some time. The snake has not been found, but of the adder species, the Puff Adder is the most common and responsible for more bites than any other snake in South Africa. Its venom is cytotoxic or cell-destroying, slow acting and takes up to 24 hours before causing any fatalities. Antidotes are available and only five percent of bites result in death.