Man, 72, critical after venomous snakebite in Golan Heights

A 72-year-old man from Buq'ata was brought to Ziv Medical Center in critical condition Monday morning after being bitten on the hand by a snake in a field near Ein Zivan in the Golan Heights. The patient was evacuated by Magen David Adom crews with altered consciousness.

Dr. Hussein Bushnaq, acting director of the emergency department at Ziv Medical Center, said: "Upon arrival at the emergency room, the patient was very confused and suffering from vomiting, excessive sweating and very low blood pressure. He received treatment with anti-venom, following which his condition improved."

After initial stabilization, the patient was transferred for continued treatment and monitoring in the general intensive care unit. His condition is defined as critical but stable.

The incident in the Golan Heights joins a series of snakebite cases documented in recent months across the country. At the end of September, a 17-year-old yeshiva student was bitten by a venomous snake in the courtyard of Yeshivat Meirat Shemua in Ashdod and was evacuated in stable condition. In August, two children were bitten by snakes within two weeks at Emek Medical Center in Afula, with one of them, a 12-year-old boy, bitten by a viper while playing with friends.

Dr. Ronen Pomp explains snakebites (Photo: Emek Medical Center spokesperson)

Ziv Medical Center issued guidance that in the event of a snakebite, an ambulance should be called immediately, the victim should be laid down and calmed, the bitten limb should be immobilized, and jewelry and tight clothing that could cause blood flow restriction should be removed. It is also recommended to remember the snake's appearance so its species can be identified and appropriate treatment provided.

During the summer and autumn months, as temperatures rise, snake activity increases and their venom glands are particularly active. Doctors recommend being especially careful during morning and evening hours, when snakes are most active, and avoiding putting your hands in places you can't see fully.