What is the world’s most dangerous venomous snake?

If the toxicity at the venom was the only criterion, there is little doubt that the sea snake would have pride of place. But other factors have to be taken into account in conjunction with toxicity the snake’s efficiency in injecting venom, its willingness to attack and its accessibility to man, for example. Thus sea snakes, which are dangerous only to barefooted fishermen, come far down the danger scale — if there is such a thing. Probably the most dangerous snake is the cobra, which is highly venomous, aggressive and widespread across Africa and Asia.

Is it true that some snakes can spit venom?

Yes — the Egyptian cobra and the spitting cobra are notorious for their habit of spitting venom when annoyed. Venom can be forced out by the fangs ma distance at several feet. If it strikes an enemy in the temporary and sometimes perm3nent blindness will result unless the area is washed promptly and thoroughly.

I’ve heard that if anti snake bite serum is not available, sucking at the wound and applying a tight tourniquet is effective. Is this true?

This is the subject of much controversy. This form of treatment is much beloved of the more tumid kind of adventure fiction, but current medical opinion suggests that it could actually be dangerous. Better to put a firm bandage above the site of the bite this may reduce the spread of the venom and enhance the effect of anti venom at a later stage.

Is anti venom freely available in Britain?

It is unlikely that there will be stocks of anti venom in every hospital— but each casualty department will know where to obtain it and when necessary it can be supplied very speedily.