First Aid and Medical Information
For Victims of Gila Monster Attacks
Arizona Poison Control and Drug Information Center
1-800-362-0101 or 1- 800-222-1222
Gila Monster Venom
Unlike venomous snakes, the Monster's venom glands are located in its lower jaw, and its teeth are grooved - not hollow. The venom is secreted into the animal's mouth through a number of ducts that are located between its teeth and lips. Most of the Gila monster's teeth come equipped with two small grooves that conduct the venom deeper into the wound created on a bite victim. The venom is a nerve toxin. The toxin is not injected, as it is when delivered to a victim by a snake, but rather only flows freely into the wound as the lizard continues to gnaw and chew on its victim. This method of delivery greatly reduces the amount of venom introduced into the victim. While the bite-delivered toxin can certainly overpower the Gila monster's enemies and prey, it is very rarely fatal to humans, even though it is about as potent as that of the western diamondback rattlesnake. It is, however, quite painful and has other negative and undesirable effects.
SYMPTOMS
Some of the most common symptoms of a Gila Monster bite include the following: A painful burning begins within a few minutes, followed by swelling, nausea, faintness, thirst, and weakness. The bite can be very violent and powerful, and there will most likely be bleeding at the site of the bite. That bleeding can be quite severe, such as when an artery has been severed. Arterial bleeding can be fatal in a relatively short time. This condition, which is identified by a pulsed, squirting of the blood from the wound, requires immediate medical attention.
Fortunately, Gila Monsters move slowly, and don't get out much during the heat of the day, but they do have extremely powerful jaws and do bite humans when they perceive the need to do so. They can lock themselves tightly onto whatever they bite, and when bone is included in the bite, they can hang on for an extremely long time and be difficult to remove. If this giant lizard does remain firmly attached to the body part it has bitten, there are some procedures you can implement in an attempt to remove it safely from the victim's body part. Those procedures follow:
• Attempt to detach the lizard by prying its mouth open. Put a stick or pen or any other similar object into the lizard's mouth between the jaw and the bite. Push backwards hard and raise or lower the prying object.
• If you have a lighter or matches put heat directly under the jaw of the lizard, decreasing the distance between the flame and the flesh until the lizard disengages.
• If there is a suitable body of water present, (or a bucket or tub of water) immerse the lizard until it releases.
• ONLY AS A VERY LAST RESORT you can grab the animal VERY FIRMLY by the tail and with a swift, powerful motion pull it off. This is NOT advisable as there will almost surely be extensive damage to the victim.
Treating Bite Victims
To treat a bite victim, stop the bleeding and if possible, flush the wound with plenty of fresh, clean water. Treat them for shock. SEEK QUALIFIED MEDICAL ASSISTANCE IMMEDIATELY. For further information, or in time of need, you can contact the Arizona Poison Control and Drug Information Center by calling 1-800-362-0101 or 1- 800-222-1222.
If you are within the boundaries of Tucson, Oro Valley, Marana, or even visiting Sabino Canyon, you are never far from qualified, professional medical attention. You should know where the closest of these medical facilities is located – most especially if you have small children. Small children and old people have less resistance to venoms.
<< Return to Animal Articles
