African Snakebite Institute releases snakebite App
African Snakebite Institute has put together a free App that covers the essentials of first aid treatment for snakebite.
Johan Marais of the African Snakebite Institute has put together a free App that covers the essentials of first aid treatment for snakebite.
This comes after it was revealed that first aid for snakebite is problematic largely because of all the myths and incorrect or outdated information that does the rounds. “While sound advice is given in books like Snakes and Snakebite in Southern Africa, few people have access to such publications,” said Ashley Kemp, also of the African Snakebite Institute.
Ashley said the help provided by the App is concise, accurate and simple to follow and understand.
“It also includes emergency contact numbers for snakebite incidences. The medical treatment of snakebite is also covered and gives medical doctors quick and easy access to the published snakebite treatment protocols. These publications cover the diagnosis and treatment of snakebite including the use of antivenin.”
Ashley went on to say that the App lists over 450 snake removers country-wide, divided into specific areas. They will come out and remove unwanted snakes from houses, gardens and business premises.
“To search for and find a snake remover in your area is incredibly simple. Should anyone encounter a snake and need it identified, a feature allows anyone to quickly submit a photograph for positive identification,” Ashley said.
Ashley went to say the App also has profiles of common snakes in Southern Africa – each profile has four colour photographs, a distribution map and a short section on the snake species to assist with identification.
“This free App had over 2 000 downloads in the first 48 hours. To download the App please go to https://www.africansnakebiteinstitute.com/app,” Ashley concluded.
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