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Snake Bite

Venomous Snakebite - Do’s and Don’ts

Statistically speaking, your chances of being bitten by a venomous snake are less than being killed in an automobile accident or being struck by lightning. But in the rare event that a venomous snake bites you, following a few simple rules will increase your chances for a successful recovery.

 

Snakebite symptoms include pain, swelling, discoloration of the skin at the site of the bite, nausea and/or vomiting.

1.      Remain calm. Remember: More people die from bee stings each year than from venomous snakebites.

2.      Remove shoes, jewelry and tight clothing from bitten area.

3.      Wash the bite site with soap and warm water or rubbing alcohol to remove any excess venom.

4.      Be prepared to treat for shock and possibly administer CPR.

5.      Get the victim to the nearest medical facility as soon as possible. The best snakebite first aid is a set of car keys.

 

On the other hand, there are several things you should not do when treating a snakebite victim:

1.      Do not attempt to capture, handle or kill a venomous snake. More people are bitten during these activities than in any other situation.  Take a picture of it.

2.      Do not make cuts or incisions on or near the bitten area. You could cut nerves, tendons or blood vessels — potentially causing more damage than the snakebite.

3.      Do not apply a tourniquet or constriction band. If tied too tight, you could cut off blood flow — causing more damage than the snakebite.

4.      Do not give the victim food, drink, alcohol or other drugs. This can cause complications in the successful treatment of the bite.

5.      Do not attempt to suck venom out with your mouth. You could have a cold sore or other open wound in your mouth, allowing venom to get into your bloodstream.

 

Examples of bites.  The swelling is why you need to take off watches, rings and everything near the bite.
 

 


Water Moccasin. 
 

 

 

Coral snake = red on yellow kill a fellow, red on black, venom lack.      Upper left snake.
Diamond Back rattlesnake .... Bottom snake
Copperhead snake.  .... upper right.