ABSTRACT
Snake venom poisoning is a medical emergency requir ing immediate attention and the exercise of consider able judgment. Of the approximately 45,000 cases of snakebite that occur each year in the United States, about 8 ,0 0 0 are inflicted by venomous snakes and about 6,800 of these receive medical attention (1). Pit vipers are responsible for about 98% of all bites and for con siderable morbidity (2). As more people have taken to outdoor activities, there has been an increase in the occurrence and treatment of both venomous and nonvenomous snakebites. Many physicians treating patients may be unfamiliar with the recognition of venomous bites, and accordingly, may be anxious about treatment protocols, which are controversial even among snakebite authorities (3).
