VENOMOUS SNAKES AND MANAGEMENT OF SNAKEBITE IN SOUTHERN AFRICA

Snakes and Snakebite is a joint work by John Visser, a herpetologist, and David Chapman, a surgeon. …

Professor Chapman’s contribution is more than a scientific treatise permitting of critical scrutiny, as it is simply styled to appeal to all who may be exposed to the risk of snakebite. The average doctor, seeing few cases in a lifetime, will also benefit by the simplified methods of first aid and treatment described.

Chapman’s policies of snakebite care are based on a first hand experience of over 1 500 cases, considered to be the largest series ever compiled and analysed by one individual and which lead to important innovations in management.

Previously beset by doubts, controversies and downright useless or dangerous methods, the total care of bites by snakes of the African continent has been revolutionized by Chapman’s work and his common sense ideas have been widely acclaimed not only in Southern Africa but also in other areas of the world where bites by some snake species have clinical effects similar to those in Africa.

Earlier recommendations by Visser have been revised to include the new antivenom combinations available.  There is a unique chapter, Illustrative Cases, in which victims symptoms are detailed and analysed.

A glossary of zoological and medical terms is included for laymen wishing to comprehend fully the scientific parts of the text.  This new book will be indispensable for the medical professional, herpetologists and the outdoor loving public.