Warning issued after walker is bitten by adder on Cornish cliffs
The Boscastle coastguard team were called out to help the casualty
A warning has been issued by local coastguard crews after a walker was bitten by an adder on cliffs in Cornwall.
The Boscastle team were called to help the casualty a couple of weeks ago near Tregardock Beach on the north Cornwall coast.
Two people had become stuck on the cliff and one had been bitten.
They were brought back to safety by the lifeboat and an ambulance was called.
"Team tasked to two persons stuck on the cliff at Tregardock Beach, with 1 person believed to be bitten by an adder. Polzeath Coastguard were also tasked alongside Padstow Lifeboat.
"Search teams were set up and a hasty search was going on to locate the 2 persons involved from the cliffs and shoreline. With the 2 persons involved finally located, the best extraction method was for Padstow lifeboat to use their Y-class boat.
"With the two persons now rescued, they were taken to Padstow Lb station to the awaiting ambulance."
Boscastle Coastguard Team
Now the HM Coastguard Area 11 Cornwall & Isles of Scilly Coastal Safety team has issued advice on what to do if you get bitten by an adder.
"The National Trust rangers out near Kynance Cove several weeks ago and some other local agencies including the Coastguard have reported that the Adders have woken up and have been seen enjoying the sunshine.
"Most snake bites in the UK are not serious. But it's important to get all snake bites checked as soon as possible.
"If you think you have been bitten by a snake out on the coast path and need medical assistance call 999 and ask for immediate help."
Do:
stay calm, most snake bites in the UK are not serious and can be treated
keep the part of your body that was bitten as still as you can
lie in the recovery position if you can
take paracetamol for any pain
try to remember the colour and pattern of the snake to tell the doctor
take off any jewellery and loosen clothes near the bite, in case it swells
Don’t:
do not go near the snake, or try to catch or kill it
do not try to suck or cut the poison (venom) out of the bite
do not tie anything tightly round the part of the body where the bite is
do not take aspirin or ibuprofen, as they can make bleeding worse
Types of UK snake
There are only three types of snake that found in the wild in the UK.
"The adder is the only venomous snake, but you should get all snake bites checked as soon as possible.
"Telling the doctors the colour and pattern of the snake that bit you could help them treat it.
"Adders are grey or reddish-brown, with a dark zig-zag shaped stripe down their back.
"Grass snakes are usually green, with dark spots down their sides and yellow and black bands around their neck.
"Smooth snakes are usually grey or brown with a dark pattern. The pattern down their backs are lighter and less zig-zag shaped than on adders."
Advice for dog owners
"Carry your dog (rather than allow him or her to walk) to try and reduce the spread of venom around the body.
"Bathe the wound in cold water to help control the swelling and try to keep your dog quiet and warm as you travel to your nearest vet practice."
HM Coastguard Area 11 Cornwall & Isles of Scilly Coastal Safety