Dear Members,
As we enter the summer and the weather warms up, we see the awakening and activity of snakes in the Caesarea Golf Club. Following is a refresher on the subject:
1. General
There are about 41 species of snakes in the State of Israel, only nine of which are venomous. The most common venomous snake in the country in general, and in Caesarea in particular, is the common viper. This snake is characterized by a triangular head with a V-shaped patch. Along the body are diamond shapes, the inner parts of which are smooth brown against a light brown body color. Its pupils are elliptical, and it has two anterior fangs that leave two bite marks.
2. Cautionary guidelines to avoid snake bites
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You must carefully examine every tree on which you lean, and especially forks of branches where snakes like to stay.
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You must avoid putting your hands or fingers into any hole, tunnel or crevice in the rocks, holes in the ground, water and electricity cabinets and other boxes on the course.
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Do not lift up large rocks. As much as possible, avoid entering areas with tall grass, thickets, thorns and the like.
3. Immediate actions to be taken if a snake is detected - First, immediately contact one of the members of the Club's staff. At the same time:
A. Keep quiet and do not make sudden movements (contrary to natural impulses).
B. Snakes feel threatened by people and therefore will attack when they are threatened.
C. You should allow the snake to find its own way of escape, then retreat in the opposite direction from the snake's movement.
D. Do not attempt to catch or touch the snake - it must be allowed to find its way back to a place of refuge. If possible, identify that spot to the member of the staff you notified about the snake.
4. First Aid actions following a snake bite
Note: Bite marks and minor pain are also the result of bites of non-venomous snakes.
Signs of snake bites: Local redness, swelling and pain; edema.
General signs: General weakness, dizziness, accelerated pulse, change in blood pressure, excessive sweating.
A. In general, the injured person should be promptly evacuated to an emergency medical facility if there is suspicion of a snake bite.
B. The initial field treatment will include the following:
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Lie the injured person down and keep him/her calm.
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The injured part of the body should be immobilized to prevent it from moving, so that the venom does not spread.
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The area of the bite should be rinsed only with water.
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Do not cut the location of the bite. Do not suck the blood from the site of the bite.
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Do not apply a tourniquet.
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Do not allow the injured person to run. Running speeds up the flow of venom throughout the body.
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Do not put ice on the site of the bite.
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Do not take painkillers, and do not drink alcohol.
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Jewelry, rings, bracelets and watches must be removed from the victim before edema develops.
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Do not apply any medicinal preparation or salve to the place of injury. This increases localized damage.
Wishing you healthy and enjoyable golf,
Club Staff
