How to Treat a Poisonous Snake Bite

Poisonous snakes can release fatal amounts of toxins with a single bite. You should always be prepared, especially if you live or travel in areas inhabited by snakes, to effectively treat a poisonous snakebite.

Things You'll Need

• First aid kit
• Sawyer extractor kit
• Soap and water

Instructions

How to Treat a Poisonous Snake Bite

1. First off, always keep a first aid kit and water bottle with you when traveling in areas where snakes are prevalent. Once bit, move away from the snake to prevent further attacks. Call for medical assistance immediately if possible.

2. Once you have moved to a safe location, gently cleanse the wound with soap and water. If you are in the wilderness and unable to access soap and water, use hand sanitizer or alcohol. The affected area will likely become swollen, so remove any jewelry or constricting objects.

3. If the Immobilize the area of the bite and keep it at a level below your heart to reduce the venom flow. If the wound becomes swollen and changes color than the snake that inflicted the wound was most likely poisonous.

4. Different venoms can take different amounts of time to cause death. Different antivenins (also known as anti venom) are needed depending on the type of snake that attacked. Do not try to use antivenin: the right antivenin can save your life, but the wrong one can be fatal. If help is more than 20 minutes away, use a Sawyer Extractor kit to remove the venom. It is wise to carry a Sawyer Extractor kit with you whenever you are in areas where snakes are known to be present.

5. Keep calm while waiting for help to arrive.