[First aid and treatment of bites by snakes of the genus Vipera]

Abstract

The amount of injected snake venom, the seriousness of the poisoning, the local and general clinical manifestations are influenced by several causes, which are analysed here. The most recent discoveries suggest the tight binding the bitten limb, extending the bandages as high as possible and applying a splint to the limb, in the first aid. The main steps of treatment, the laboratory tests, which may help the physician to follow the course of the poisoning, are then reported.