[Z-man]

Originally Posted by Heel n Toe

Hmmm... didn't know this... very interesting. From Wiki:
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The sole manufacturer of Eastern and Texas Coral Snake Antivenom, Wyeth, has ceased production of this product and it is estimated that all remaining in-date stocks of Coral Snake Antivenom in the United States will be exhausted between October and December, 2008. Unless the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approves a new or foreign (Mexican) antivenom currently being tested at the Natural Toxins Research Center (Texas A&M University-Kingsville) then U.S. victims of Eastern and Texas Coral Snake envenomation will no longer be able to be treated by antivenom. The consequences of this radically changes the way Coral Snake envenomation is treated. Existing stocks, if any have received an extension for expiration until October 31, 2009. See the following notice from the FDA and associated links at: http://www.fda.gov/cber/safety/wyecor102808.htm

Victims of Eastern and Texas Coral snakebite should be transported as soon as possible to a tertiary level hospital which can provide constant monitoring of neurological and respiratory symptoms for 24 hours or more and if these symptoms occur be ready and able to sedate, endotracheally intubate and mechanically ventilate such patients for up to a week or until neurological and respiratory paralysis resolves. To the list of neurological symptoms patients must also be evaluated by serial (and frequent) testing of NIF (Negative Inspiratory Force) and arterial blood gases. The most dangerous sequelae of Texan or Eastern Coral Snakebite is bulbar respiratory paralysis. Fortunately, this does not occur for anywhere from several hours to as long as 24 hours after being bitten, which provides sufficient time to transport and evaluate such patients. However, the fact that the worst effects of this snakebite take so long to occur means that such patients must be kept under conditions involving continuous eyes-on monitoring of ECG, blood pressure, as well as respiratory evaluation for at least two days after being bitten. Some centers may want to consider the elective sedation, intubation and mechanical ventilation of such cases as acting on the side of caution.

Call me parnoid or a sissy, but that's exactly why I avoid snakes!

-Z-man.