Venomous snakebites. Current concepts in diagnosis, treatment, and management.

It is essential that all emergency physicians become familiar with the recognition and treatment of venomous snakebites. Techniques such as the use of tourniquets and incision and suction should no longer be performed routinely. The mainstay of treatment for poisonous bites is the intravenous administration of the appropriate antivenin to neutralize the effects of the venom.