Close Call with a King Cobra

[MDT]

this is an interesting discussion. as someone who has treated many many pit viper envenomations, i can say the cost one encounters is staggering. the reality is the "average joe" would not be able to obtain CroFab as you'd need Rx and several thousands of dollars to get just the loading dose. having worked in an urban ED for a number of years and being the consulting physician for our local zoo at one point for bites, the availability of old world elapid or viper anti venoms is up to the zoo itself. those meds are typically not kept in most hospitals (the exceptions would likely be in much larger, costal cities)....in oklahoma, if you get tagged by your cobra, you'll get treatment, but it will likely be delayed in trying to obtain the appropriate anti venom. it is a fact that zoos or research institutions will have many more resources than the individual keeper. i'm not advocating in keeping hots vs not keeping them, just saying that franks point about resources is valid. i really don't get the arrogance vibe from him.

to add: i really like your blog frank...thanks for sharing