WC snake handlers: It's important to be familiar with response needed if bitten by snake

CAPE TOWN - The Western Cape Snake Removal Service says it's important to be familiar with the critical response needed if someone is bitten by a snake.  

With temperatures rising, there's been a significant increase in snake sightings this summer.  

Boland Snake Removals' snake handler Eduanne Niemandt explained how every second counts in the case of a snake bite.  

“With a boomslang, you’ve got about four hours for its hemotoxic venom to kick in, and with a puff adder, it’s a cytotoxic bite that causes a lot of swelling. So go as soon as possible. But with a Cape cobra, it’s our most venomous one, so with the Cape cobra, you have 30 minutes.”