Make sure that at least 10 vials of Taipan Antivenom are present with the patient. This antivenom contains the appropriate fractions necessary to neutralize the components of Taipan venom. If the patient has been envenomated, the treatment is 3 to 10 vials of intravenous antivenom. Envenomation is diagnosed by the presence of characteristic signs and symptoms. These signs and symptoms have a high degree of variability from case to case, and may come on subtly and progress rapidly.
Early recognition is extremely important.
The Taipans have the longest fangs of the venomous Australian and Papuan snakes reaching 13 mm or more in some specimens. The snake strikes with extraordinary speed and accuracy, often snapping its jaws fiercely several times which can result in multiple punctures in the same attack. Admit patient to an emergency or trauma service and call the consultant identified by the Poison Control Center. Draw blood from the contralateral arm, and collect urine for the following laboratory tests. Type and Cross Match TWO units of Whole blood.