Venomous animals and their victims: a program for sophomore medical students.

As Americans increase their outdoor activities, the possibility of contact with venomous animals becomes greater. At the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences a program has been developed for sophomore medical students to help meet this potential health threat. Lectures are given on the recognition and general biology of dangerous reptiles and anthropods, the nature of animal venoms, immunological aspects of envenomation, and the treatment of bites and stings. Both first-aid and clinical management are included. Laboratory demonstrations consist of both live and preserved specimens of venomous animals. Live specimens of reptiles, as well as informed curators, are provided by the Little Rock Zoological Gardens in what may be a unique cooperative effort between a medical school and a zoo. The program has been judged to be a success on the basis of the response of the medical students.