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![Heloderma suspectum ( Gila Monster ) [ Original photo copyright © Dr Julian White ]](images/other_life/TVP00021.jpg)
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Family: Helodermatidae
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Genus: Heloderma
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Species: suspectum
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Subspecies: suspectum , cinctum
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Common Names
Gila Monster , Reticulate Gila Monster ( H. s. suspectum ) , Banded Gila Monster ( H. s. cinctum )
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Local Names
Escorpion
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Region
North America + Central America
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Countries
Mexico, United States of America
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First Aid
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| Description:First aid for Helodermatidae Lizard Bites (Gila monster, beaded lizard)
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Details:1. Gila monsters frequently hang on when they bite. They should be immediately removed using one of the following methods:
a). A strong stick, bar, pliers, screwdriver or crowbar may be put into the mouth behind the bitten part to open the jaws.
b). The use of a flame under the lizard's jaw, being careful not to burn the bite victim.
c). Submerge the lizard in cold water, which also serves to subdue the reptile (found to be effective by many herpetologists).
d). Another useful tool is a handheld cast spreader used to manually disengage the mandible in the unlikely event that a patient arrives in the emergency department with the lizard attached.
Caution: Pulling the animal away usually results in breaking of the teeth and laceration of the wound.
2. After ensuring the patient and onlookers have moved out of range of further bites by the lizard, the bitten person should be reassured and persuaded to lie down and remain still. Many will be terrified, fearing sudden death and, in this mood, they may behave irrationally or even hysterically. The basis for reassurance is the fact that gila monster bites do not result in lethal envenoming, though they frequently cause intense pain, and recovery is to be expected.
3. Allow the wound to bleed freely for several minutes, if possible assisted by irrigation with clean fresh water.
4. Except for the above, bite wound should not be tampered with in any way. Wiping it once with a damp cloth to remove surface venom is unlikely to do much harm (or good) but the wound must not be massaged.
5. All rings or other jewellery on the bitten limb, especially on fingers, should be removed, as they may act as tourniquets if oedema develops.
6. The bitten limb should be immobilised as effectively as possible using an extemporised splint or sling; if available, crepe bandaging of the splinted limb is an effective form of immobilisation.
7. If there is any impairment of vital functions, such as problems with respiration, airway, circulation, heart function, these must be supported as a priority. In particular, both airway and respiration may be impaired, requiring urgent and prolonged treatment, which may include the mouth to mask (mouth to mouth) technique of expired air transfer. Seek urgent medical attention.
8. Do not use Tourniquets, cut, suck or scarify the wound or apply chemicals or electric shock.
9. Avoid peroral intake except for clear fluids, absolutely no alcohol. No sedatives outside hospital. If there will be considerable delay before reaching medical aid, measured in several hours to days, then give clear fluids by mouth to prevent dehydration.
10. If the offending lizard has been killed it should be brought with the patient for identification.
11. The bite victim should be transported as quickly and as passively as possible to the nearest place where they can be seen by a medically-trained person (health station, dispensary, clinic or hospital). The bitten limb must not be exercised as muscular contraction will promote systemic absorption of venom. If no motor vehicle or boat is available, the patient can be carried on a stretcher or hurdle, on the pillion or crossbar of a bicycle or on someone's back.
12. Most traditional, and many of the more recently fashionable, first aid measures are useless and potentially dangerous. These include local cauterization, incision, excision, amputation, suction by mouth, vacuum pump or syringe, combined incision and suction ("venom-ex" apparatus), injection or instillation of compounds such as potassium permanganate, phenol (carbolic soap) and trypsin, application of electric shocks or ice (cryotherapy), use of traditional herbal, folk and other remedies including the ingestion of emetic plant products and parts of the snake, multiple incisions, tattooing and so on.
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