Vipers and wasps are a natural part of tomorrow’s Jukola. If you encounter a viper in the terrain, step into a ground wasp nest or get stung in the mouth, for example, stop the performance and immediately head to the nearest first aid or drinking station for help.
Severe symptoms (e.g. abdominal pain, cramps, shortness of breath, swelling of the larynx, drop in blood pressure) may indicate an anaphylactic reaction instead of or in addition to a toxic reaction, in which case immediate help is needed. According to the rules of the competition, everyone is obliged to help.
Identify the bite and avoid muscle work
The viper bite usually has 2 puncture holes about 3-4 millimeters apart. The bite site is painful, swollen and bluish-red in color. Please note that the bite area should not be treated in any way. If the bite is on a limb, it should be splinted and kept in an elevated position. The splinted patient is carried away from the scene of the incident, as the limb must not be used and muscle work must be avoided.
All bite and puncture sites, even asymptomatic ones, should be evaluated by a doctor. After a doctor’s assessment, the follow-up continues in the first aid room of the competition centre, usually for 2 hours.
Photo: Paula Korpinen