Wilderness & environmental medicine
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Mambas are venomous African snakes that are capable of inflicting fatal envenomation. The mambas (genus Dendrosaspis) are members of the family Elapidae [1]. ⋯ First aid treatment includes lymphatic retardation with immobilization and pressure wrap. Medical management requires the intravenous administration of mamba-specific antivenin.
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Wilderness Environ Med · May 1996
Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical TrialCardiorespiratory response to free suspension simulating the situation between fall and rescue in a rock climbing accident.
Many factors contribute to the risk of late death after successful rescue in a rock climbing accident. One factor may be hemodynamic and respiratory compromise by free suspension in a rope between fall and rescue. The risk probably results from using a chest harness alone or the combination of a chest harness and a sit harness. ⋯ The p value for all reported changes was <0.05. We conclude that free suspension in a chest harness leads to a dramatic impairment of hemodynamics and respiration. This may contribute to the risk of a fatal outcome if rescue is not timely.