There are a few poisonous creatures in Phuket and the surrounding areas, but contrary to popular opinion, if you’re bitten by one of them it should not be fatal, provided you adhere to some basic first aid advice and seek appropriate medical care.

The only real concern is for people who have an allergic reaction to bee stings and the like, who if bitten may develop a serious condition called anaphylaxis. For the rest of us, the sting of the spiders, scorpions and centipedes of Thailand can be mildly venomous, comparable in severity to a nasty bee sting. Severe localised pain and infections are the usual complications.

Snake bites on the other hand, can be fatal if not treated appropriately. The Cobra, King Cobra, Banded Krait, Russell's Viper, a few species of pit vipers and some types of sea snakes are the most troublesome. It’s worth mentioning however that most snake bites result from carelessness or plain bad luck. When snakes become aware of the proximity of humans, they try to flee as quickly as possible. Only a cornered or harassed snake will strike, so if you encounter one, keep your distance, don’t panic and provide an escape route for the snake.

If a snake must be removed, for example when it’s in your home or around children’s play areas, the local snake show organisations should be contacted, and they’ll gladly come and catch the snake safely, for a small fee. Snake catchers are available from the Phuket Shooting Range in Chalong, The Andaman Cobra Show off Chao Fa East Road and the Snake Farm, near Simon Cabaret in Patong.

The Cobra is the species which gives the most problems. They can grow to over five metres in length and when threatened, rear up. This is the cobra’s first line of defense. Their venom is a neurotoxin, which once injected following a bite, paralyses the muscles and the victim literally chokes, as the muscles that enable respiration are paralysed. Death can result, depending on the amount of venom that has been injected. However, snakes will not always inject venom when they strike. The most common result of a severe bite is not death, but localised tissue necrosis, where the skin, muscle and soft tissues around the bite site literally die, as is the case with gangrene. It isn’t uncommon that the affected parts, particularly fingers or toes may need to be amputated.

If someone is bitten, cutting between the puncture marks and trying to suck the venom out is useless. This will only make the situation worse. Applying an arterial tourniquet is also ineffective and will do more harm than good. Trying to catch the snake for identification purposes is unnecessary and simply places people in more danger.

Appropriate first aid is to apply a firm crepe or elastic bandage over the bite site and then completely cover the limb with the bandage about as tight as you’d strap a sprained ankle. Then immobilize the limb with a splint and immediately transfer the patient to hospital. If a large amount of venom has been injected, breathing problems may begin to occur so be prepared to give artificial respiration.

At the hospital, the doctors will more than likely admit the patient for observation and if necessary, support respiration by placing the patient on a ventilator. It’s only in extreme cases that anti-venom is given, as it is very toxic and can cause severe side effects. Anti-venom, by the way, is readily available, and is manufactured by the snake farm in Bangkok, one of the world’s best anti-venom research facilities.

Snakes and other biting creatures can look aggressive and frightening, but you shouldn’t be alarmed if you encounter them. It’s also not necessary to kill them, as they play a vital role in maintaining the balance of nature. King Cobras actually live on other snakes and some snakes contribute to controlling the population of rats, mice and other rodents.

Peter Davison is the Manager International Services
at Phuket International Hospital.
Tel: +66 (0)76 249400. Email: info@phuketinternationalhospital.com.