Safe Handling of Snakes in an ED Setting

Efforts to improve consistency in management of snakes and venomous snake bites in the emergency department (ED) can improve patient and staff safety and outcomes, as well as improve surveillance data accuracy. The emergency department at a large academic medical center identified an opportunity to implement a standardized process for snake disposal and identification to reduce staff risk exposure to snake venom from snakes patients brought with them to the ED.

A local snake consultation vendor and zoo Herpetologist assisted with development of a process for snake identification and disposal.

All snakes have been identified and securely disposed of using the newly implemented process and no safety incidents have been reported.

Other emergency department settings may consider developing a standardized process for snake disposal using listed specialized consultants combined with local resources and suppliers to promote employee and patient safety.