Venom conference brings experts to Columbus Zoo: Essential tips for surviving a snakebite

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium and the Asclepius Snakebite Foundation (ASF), a global nonprofit dedicated to saving the "limbs and lives" of snakebite victims, are partnering to host the Columbus Venom Conference.

According to the ASF website, this will be its first conference held at the zoo. Twelve experts are scheduled to provide a full day's worth of information and insights on Friday, Sept. 6, 2024, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event is open to the public both in-person and virtually.

"The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium built the partnership with nationally recognized snakebite experts through our constant work to grow safety protocols, improve our emergency response, and become a leader in snakebite safety and response," said Tara Archer, the Columbus Zoo’s Head Keeper of Venomous Collections.

The conference will cover a broad range of topics such as envenomation and snakebite management, including venom research, novel treatments, and protocols for handling snakebites. Key sessions will address prehospital and in-hospital treatment strategies, veterinary envenomations, and the unique challenges posed by exotic venomous animals in the U.S. Additionally, the event will explore common misconceptions about bites from creatures like spiders.

Many of the experts presenting are from around the country, bringing a variety of experiences and knowledge to the program. Locally, Archer and Dr. Hannah Hays, of Nationwide Children's Hospital will discuss zoo and hospital collaborations.

"Through our partnerships with the Central Ohio Poison Center at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, local hospitals and first responders, and the Zoo's own EMS team, we have formed an important partnership with the Asclepius Snakebite Foundation," said Archer. "Educational initiatives such as this are an important part of that work and help improve outcomes."

The ASF's website contains a wealth of information for anyone wanting to learn more.

How to survive a snakebite in the wilderness:

1. Back away from the snake and find a safe place to sit
2. Remove rings, watches, bracelets, and anything else potentially constrictive near the bite
3. Circle the site of the bite with a marker and write the time next to it. Mark the edge of the swelling and pain, list your symptoms, and repeat every 30 minutes. 
4. If you begin to experience signs of anaphylaxis (swelling of face, mouth, or throat; hives; difficulty breathing, etc) use an epinephrine autoinjector (EpiPen or generic) if you have one.
5. If you have cell phone reception, call 911 or emergency service # in your country
6. If not, plot the safest, most expedient path to help and start hiking out

First and foremost, do not make it worse!
• Do not make a tourniquet
• Do not cut and suck
• Do not apply the sawyer extractor or other commercial “snakebite kits”
• Do not use ice on snakebites
• Avoid taking any sort of NSAID analgesics for pain control after the bite
• Do not electrocute yourself with a stun gun, and
• Do not follow any strange recommendations you receive from other hikers on the trail. No first aid is often less harmful than bad first aid when it comes to snakebites!