How to Treat a Venomous Snake Bite

Every state but Maine, Alaska and Hawaii is home to at least one of 20 domestic poisonous snake species. People who camp, hike, picnic, or live in snake-inhabited areas should be aware of some basic first aid.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• a bandage or strip of fabric
• blanket to cover victim

1. If you have a mobile phone and have service, call emergency services to report your location.

2. Tie a bandage or strip of fabric a few fingers' width above the bite to slow distribution of venom. Be careful to not cut off circulation. You should be able to easily slide a finger beneath the bandage.

3. If help is on the way, keep the victim still, immobilizing the bitten area and keeping it below the level of the heart. Try to keep victim relaxed. A rapid pulse rate will spread the poison faster.

4. If victim shows signs of shock (such as paleness), lay the person flat, raise the feet, and cover with a blanket.

5. When help has arrived or you have reached the hospital, describe the snake to the physician or paramedic so the correct anti-venom serum can be administered.

Tips & Warnings

• Before a strike, a snake will usually display a few warning signs. These include: - Baring Fangs: opening the mouth wide to display teeth. - Making a Warning Noise: hissing, spitting, rattling, shaking vegetation. - Getting Into Strike Position: this is the classic S shape. Most snakes will make a few false strikes with their mouths closed before striking prey.
• DO NOT try to "suck out" the venom. This doesn't work and is more likely to poison you than help the victim.
• DO NOT put ice on the wound.
• DO NOT give the victim alcoholic drinks.