Friday, 30 November 2007
A soldier from Northern Ireland is recovering after being attacked by one of the world's deadliest snakes.
Paul Flynn, 24, from Enniskillen was on a training exercise with the Royal Irish Regiment in Kenya when he was bitten on the arm by a black mamba.
He received immediate treatment from a medic before being rushed more than 300 miles by field ambulance and helicopter to hospital in Nairobi.
Doctors believe his high level of fitness may have helped save his life.
The black mamba is the largest venomous snake in Africa and the second largest venomous snake in the world.
Black Mamba
A single bite from the reptile can inject enough venom to kill from 20-40 grown men.
An Army spokesman said Mr Flynn was on sentry duty when he was bitten.
"The fast response in notifying medics and them being able to treat him probably saved his life," he said.
"The initial anti-venom from the army doctor was crucial."
Mr Flynn is a Territorial Army soldier who signed a year ago to serve with a regular battalion.
He is due to go to Afghanistan with the Royal Irish next year.
"We fully expect him to make a 100% recovery and be fully capable of full service," the spokesman added.
[dohtml]<span class="sidenote" title="
<br>Paul Flynn was bitten by a black mamba"></span>[/dohtml]
A soldier from Northern Ireland is recovering after being attacked by one of the world's deadliest snakes.
Paul Flynn, 24, from Enniskillen was on a training exercise with the Royal Irish Regiment in Kenya when he was bitten on the arm by a black mamba.
He received immediate treatment from a medic before being rushed more than 300 miles by field ambulance and helicopter to hospital in Nairobi.
Doctors believe his high level of fitness may have helped save his life.
The black mamba is the largest venomous snake in Africa and the second largest venomous snake in the world.
Black Mamba
A single bite from the reptile can inject enough venom to kill from 20-40 grown men.
An Army spokesman said Mr Flynn was on sentry duty when he was bitten.
"The fast response in notifying medics and them being able to treat him probably saved his life," he said.
"The initial anti-venom from the army doctor was crucial."
Mr Flynn is a Territorial Army soldier who signed a year ago to serve with a regular battalion.
He is due to go to Afghanistan with the Royal Irish next year.
"We fully expect him to make a 100% recovery and be fully capable of full service," the spokesman added.
[dohtml]<span class="sidenote" title="
<br>Paul Flynn was bitten by a black mamba"></span>[/dohtml] ![rolleyes.gif](http://5.<a href="http://www.forumer.com">forumer</a>.com/html/emoticons/rolleyes.gif)