As a general rule, we in EMS don't see too many calls relating to bites
from spiders and snakes. Since this is the case, when we are
confronted with a patient who has suffered such a bite we often find
ourselves frantically searching our memories for all of the diminutive
signs and symptoms we think we might see in our patient.

The fact is that rarely is pre-hospital treatment of these patients
anything more than supportive. Most of the time, the really nasty
problems that these bites can cause will manifest themselves long after
we have turned these patients over to the hospital staff.

However, it is possible that in rare cases the time from the actual bite to
the time that we are called is delayed enough that we may have need to
recognize the systemic problems that the venom of some of Gods
creatures can cause. With that in mind, let's discuss a few of the more
nasty bugs and snakes with which we may have to contend.

Here begins a look at the bite and/or stings of bugs, snakes and fish that can cause
problems for our patients. The first installment looks at the Brown Recluse spider.
Others will be added.

Captain Cardiacs Notes on Creepy
Crawly Critters