The drama, which occurred last year in the Aston valley (Ariège), recalls that the bite of a viper can be dazzling, especially among the youngest. A story of a race against the watch and expert advice to know how to react.
A cry, then the descent into hell
It all starts with a howling. In the middle of a hike, Julien, 10, feels dazzling pain in the leg. His father turns around and discovers two red traces that swell in sight. “”It was very violent, very, very violent. He yelled in pain “then tells Patrick Albero to France3 region.
Very quickly, the boy vacillates. Ten minutes are enough for his frail body to switch to swelling, his forces abandon him. “”He vomited, he lost consciousness … I saw him die “says the father.
A race against the watch in the mountains
The minutes are grueling like hours. Without a stable network, Patrick carries his son in his arms to descend the mountain. Each step becomes an ordeal. A hiker attempts an aspiven, in vain: the child’s fingers are too small.
The road is long, the child vanishes several times. Finally, the emergency services were warned and the appointment set in a fire station. Julien is taken care of, then transferred to the Foix hospital, before Toulouse Purpan. He will survive, but the memory will remain indelible.
“Children are more vulnerable”
This type of accident, rare but serious, requires extreme vigilance. “”Symptoms are lively and immediate pain at the bite site, swelling, redness and heat around the bitten area and in serious cases: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, discomfort, hypotension, shock, neurological disorders and breathing difficulties reflecting a severe allergic reaction (anaphylactic shock) “explains Dr. Gérald Kierzek, emergency doctor and medical director of True Medical.
“”In France, viper bites are rarely deadly“, he reassures.”But children are more vulnerable because the amount of venom injected by kg of body weight is greater “.
The gestures that save
In the event of a bite, every second account. Dr. Kierzek recalls good reflexes:
- Immediately call for help (15, 18 or 112);
- Immobilize the bitten member to slow the venom;
- Remove jewelry, watches or tight clothes;
- Clean with water and soap, then disinfect;
- Relieve paracetamol only.
And above all, avoid dangerous gestures: witch, incision, suction of venom or ice application.
Anticipate: the key to avoid the worst
In summer, when vipers are the most active, calls for caution. Dr. Kierzek recommends:
- Wear rising shoes and long pants;
- Avoid high grass and stones that are returned with bare hands;
- Never approach a snake, even motionless;
- Always have a phone on yourself to call for help.