Hadassah Expert Details Proper Response to Snakebites and Common Mistakes to Avoid

Professor Kobi Asaf, an emergency medicine specialist at Hadassah Medical Center, explained in an interview with Channel 7 how to properly respond to snakebites and why rapid hospital treatment is crucial. He noted that the Israeli summer, especially July and August, marks peak snake activity, with the venomous Palestine viper (spearheaded in about 90% of bites) found throughout the country, including urban areas. The increase in snake encounters is due to their natural life cycle rather than construction or digging, although such activities can disturb their hiding places.

Asaf emphasized that victims should not attempt to identify the snake but should seek immediate medical care to assess venom injection and severity. About 25% of bites from vipers are "dry bites" without venom. Different regions have distinct snake species, such as the Palestine viper in the north and central areas, and the highly venomous but shy Eyed Sand Viper and Palestine Horned Viper in desert regions. Despite its potent venom, the Eyed Sand Viper rarely bites humans, with only one recorded fatality in 2002 involving a professional snake catcher.

He warned against common harmful practices like cutting the bite site, sucking out venom, applying ice, using tourniquets, or electric shocks, which can worsen injury. Instead, victims should remain calm, lie down, immobilize the bitten limb to slow venom spread, and avoid exertion. Quick transport to a hospital is vital, where antivenom treatment is administered if needed. Although no specific antivenom exists for the Eyed Sand Viper due to economic reasons and rarity of bites, supportive intensive care can still save lives.

In summary, Asaf stressed that rapid medical intervention, avoiding myths, and proper first aid are key to effectively managing snakebites in Israel.