How to Treat a Snakebite

The vast majority of snakebites in the United States are from nonpoisonous snakes.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• Bandages
• Tetanus Shots

Treating a Poisonous Bite

1. Determine if the snake may be poisonous. Most poisonous snakes in the United States have certain physical characteristics: a triangular-shaped head, slit-like eyes and an indentation between the nose and eyes.
2. Seek medical help immediately if you know or even suspect a snake may be poisonous.
3. Stay calm and lie as quietly as possible if medical care is on the way.
4. Use a commercial snakebite kit if medical help is more than 30 minutes away.
5. Try to keep your body warm.
6. Keep the area that was bitten below the level of your heart.
7. Wrap a bandage snugly several inches above (not on) the bite if it's on an arm or leg.
8. Keep the wounded area immobile and use a splint if possible.

Treating a Nonpoisonous Bite

9. Wash the area of the bite with soap and water and rinse well.
10. Allow the bleeding to stop by itself unless it is severe.
11. Get a tetanus shot if you have not had one in five or more years, or if your primary vaccine series is incomplete.
12. Watch for increasing redness and swelling, red streaks on the skin, puss, fever or increasing warmth around the wound; these are all signs of a possible infection.

Tips & Warnings

• Educate yourself ahead of time about what types of snakes are in the area.
• Do not use a tourniquet, apply ice or heat to the wound, cut the wound or try to suck out the venom, or take any drugs, including aspirin or alcohol.
• Bites from nonpoisonous snakes are generally benign and heal without incident.
• If symptoms persist or if you have specific medical conditions or concerns, we recommend you contact a physician. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment.