Page 162 - JSOM Summer 2020

We are an international team of clinicians and
scientists on a mission to reverse the cycle of
tragic snakebite outcomes through a combination
of innovative research, clinical medicine, and
education-based public health initiatives.
Jordan Benjamin, Founder & Executive Director
Asclepius Snakebite Foundation
www.snakebitefoundation.org

(photo above) Some of the ASF Guinea team members gather for a
group photo outside of the clinic.
Photo compliments of Dr Ben Abo, Asclepius Snakebite Foundation.

(photo left) The Asclepius
Snakebite Foundation
(ASF) runs an austere
snakebite specialty clinic
in Kindia, Guinea, that
receives an average of
600–800 severe snake
envenomations annually
from mambas, cobras,
and vipers.
Photo compliments of
Dr Nick Brandehoff,
Asclepius Snakebite
Foundation.

(photo above) ASF Founder and Executive Director Jordan
Benjamin squares off with a Forest Cobra (Naja melanoleuca)
in Kindia, Guinea, to collect venom samples. These
neurotoxic snakes can grow to 10 feet long and are able to
raise up to half of their body length off the ground to face
off with a potential threat.
Photo compliments of Dr Ben Abo, Asclepius Snakebite Foundation.

(photo left) Preparing
to capture the forest
cobra in Kindia, Guinea.
Venom composition
can vary between
geographic regions,
so ASF researchers
routinely collect venom
samples from wild
snakes to identify (photos above) Dr Mohammed Cire Diallo, head clinician at the ASF
any potential gaps in Guinea clinic, supervises an i-Gel airway lab as part of an intensive
existing antivenom resuscitation training conducted in February of 2020 in response to
coverage. a surge in serious neurotoxic bites earlier in the year. Many of these
supplies were donated by US Special Operations medics who worked
Photo compliments of
Aziz Baldé, Asclepius with the ASF team to develop the new snakebite CPGs.
Snakebite Foundation. Photos compliments of Jordan Benjamin, Asclepius Snakebite Foundation.