Introduction:

Ophidian poisoning is considered a public health problem in most tropical countries. The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela is considered one of the affected countries because highly venomous species are found there. A high quality antiophidic serum, produced by the University of Venezuela, Biotechnology Center, Pharmacy Faculty, has been able to reduce the mortality caused by these particular ophidians. Due to the specific circumstances of the Cuban Medical Mission, the need for learning about the management of patients injured by venomous snakes has been identified.

Objective:

to deepen in the diagnosis and treatment of patients injured by venomous snakes during the performance in Emergency Services in the context of the Cuban Medical Mission in the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela.

Method:

detailed review of accidents caused by snakes of the Viperiade family in its different genera (Bothrops, Bothriechis, Bothriopsis, Porthidium, Crotalus and Lachesis) and of the Elapidae family or coral snake, genus Micrurus.

Conclusions:

the diagnosis of the ophidian accident is based on the detailed knowledge of the characteristics of the clinical picture and the physiopathological activity of the envenomation. In the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela most ophidian accidents are caused by snakes of the genus Bothrops. The treatment of the bothropic accident consists, in addition to the general measures, in the use of antivenom in adequate doses and intravenously.

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