About 20 Diploma of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene postgraduate students (medical doctors from all over Africa) received hands-on training when they were exposed to the behaviour of venomous and harmless snakes last Saturday at the Johannesburg Zoo.
The practical component was introduced last year by Wits Professor Martin Grobusch, Chair of Infectious Diseases and Head of the Infectious Diseases Unit, who believes that it is essential for his students to receive practical training in addition to the theory they learn. “As far as I know, this programme is unique to the country and the continent and we are hoping to grow it in the coming years.”
Ian du Plessis, the chief herpetologist at the Zoo, demonstrated how some of the venomous snakes like cobras, puff adders, rinkhals and black mambas moved and attacked. He also educated the students on how to treat different snake bites and how to administer anti-venom medicine.
He explained to the students hoe they should manage situations in which they or others are confronted or attacked by a snake. “When you see a snake, you should immediately stand as still possible. Try to identify the snake and to determine if it is venomous or not. Do not attempt to touch or move the snake. If you are far enough, try to get hold of a very long broomstick and use it to get the snake into a bucket as quickly as possible and place a heavy object on top of it. However, be very careful and keep exposed areas of your body like your eyes covered as much as possible, as some snakes spit out their venom, while others can attack from up to seven metres away.”
Du Plessis added that if you are alone and attacked by a snake, you should not move, try to remain calm, put pressure on the open wound and use your cellphone to call for help. “If you are attacked by a poisonous snake, do not attempt to drive as you will feel dizzy,” he warns. “Try to identify the snake so that you can explain to a doctor or paramedic what it looks like so that they know exactly which anti-venom to administer. Under no circumstances should you attempt to catch the snake as it will surely strike again.”
He also cautioned that there are an increasing number of snakes being found in urban areas. “Due to the rapid expansion in the province and the growing number of developments replacing open spaces, we are seeing a rising number of snakes in built areas.”
Prof. Dietrich Mebs, a renowned toxicologist from the University of Frankfurt centre of Forensic Medicine who taught part of the course at Wits, enhanced the students’ learning experience. Some staff members from the Zoo attended his lectures during the week, in exchange for the practical demonstration over the weekend.
The students, from Gabon to Nigeria, Cape Town to KwaZulu-Natal thoroughly enjoyed the interactive learning experience. “It is great to be able to identify the various snakes at a glance, after having learnt about them in theory throughout the week,” says a Gabonese student.
“Our partnership with the Zoo is a mutually beneficial one and we look forward to advancing it in the years to come,” says Grobusch.