4. APPLY SUCTION to the cuts. This can best be done with one of the suction devices manufactured for that purpose but, if none is available, suction can be applied by mouth. There is little danger in oral suction unless the lips or inside of the mouth have cuts or abrasions. Contrary to popular opinion, a tooth cavity will not permit passage of venom into the blood. Moreover, snake venom is destroyed by the stomach’s digestive juices, so if some is accidentally swallowed, there is little need to worry if you have a healthy system. Only during the first 30 minutes following the bite can much venom be removed by incision and suction. [Illustration: Applying suction] [Illustration: Snakebite kit] 5. GET TO MEDICAL AID as soon as possible—but keep in mind that unnecessary physical exertion is harmful. Antivenom may be administered soon after first aid has been started, but this is best left to a doctor. The North American Antisnakebite Serum made by Wyeth, Inc., of Philadelphia 3, Pennsylvania, is effective against pit viper bites but is of less value in the treatment of coral snake poisoning. Because coral snakes cause so few bites in the United States, no serum to neutralize their venom is prepared in this country. In South America, where these snakes are common and may reach a length of five feet, a serum to neutralize the poison is being produced by the Instituto Butantan at Sao Paulo, Brazil. It and other foreign snake bite serums often are available at larger zoos where exotic poisonous species are exhibited. SUGGESTIONS TO PHYSICIANS In most areas of Texas, snake bite is an uncommon medical emergency, and one with which few doctors have had experience. For this reason, the following recommendations by the National Research Council’s Division of Medical Sciences are included for the benefit of the physician. _Statement on Hospital Care Following Bites by Venomous Snakes_ _December 14, 1960_ _Admission Procedures_ The routine admission history and physical examination should provide and record, if possible, the identity and length of the snake, the time of the bite, and the details of all first aid measures employed, including the time lapse for each and the mode of transportation to the hospital. The record should state whether a tourniquet, incision and suction, or the ligature-cryotherapy technique has or has not been used. Inquiry should be made concerning previous bites, allergic manifestations in general, and whether or not the patient had previously received horse serum. The admission examination should provide information from which the severity of the envenomation can be estimated as a guide to the need for the administration of antivenin and other therapy. Sensitivity tests should be instituted promptly during admission if not previously begun.