How to Treat a Rattle Snake Bite

Rattlesnake bites can be deadly if not treated properly.

About 8,000 snakebites occur each year, with about 1 percent of those resulting in death. Modern medicine and the development of anti-venom has drastically reduced the chances of dying from a snakebite. Nevertheless, proper procedures must be followed after a snake bite, particularly if the bite is from a poisonous rattlesnake. Too much misinformation regarding rattlesnake bite treatment is circulated; learn how to properly treat a rattlesnake bite.

Things You'll Need

• Bandage or Cloth
• Snake Bite First Aid Kit (preferred)

Instructions

1. Remove the victim from the vicinity of the snake to prevent another bite and to protect yourself from a bite. Immediately contact emergency services or make arrangements to get the victim to a hospital to administer an anti-venom.

2. Use a bandage from the snake bite kit or a piece of cloth to wrap the area 2 to 4 inches above the snake bite. The bandage should be not be too tight or it may cause additional damage.

3. Keep the victim calm and help him manage his breathing. You do not want the victim to go into shock. Assure the victim everything will be okay and help is on the way. Keep the affected limb at a lower level than the victim's heart.

4. Use the snake bite pump, if you have the snake bite first aid kit. The pump will help extract venom from the wound.

Tips & Warnings

• If no bandage is available, tear a portion of your clothing to wrap above the wound. Get the victim to a hospital as soon as possible for a dosage of anti-venom.

• Never cut the area around the wound. This is an old misconception that can cause more harm than good. Never attempt to suck out the venom by mouth. Doing so could put you at risk of poisoning.

References

• University of California in San Diego
• University of Arizona