Venomous Snake Bite in Turkey: First Aid and Treatment

Abstract

In this review, we evaluated venomous snakes in Turkey, as well as the symptoms related with these venomations and principles of current first aid and treatments and possible complications. Geographically, mostly vipers as most venomous snakes are present in Turkey. The people who work or travel in agricultural areas should be aware of venomous snakebites in this country. Generally the symptoms of victims depend on neurotoxicity, myotoxicity and coagulopathy in vipera envenomation. Especially, in addition to emergency room physicians, general surgeons and hand surgeons must be familiar with the principles of diagnosis and current treatment modalities to prevent complications as well as death or limb amputations. Key words: Snake bite, venomous snakes, antivenom, toxicity, Turkey