When you are bitten by a snake it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. The sooner you receive medical treatment the better your chances are of avoiding serious health complications.
If you are able to identify the type of snake that bit you let the medical professionals know so they can provide the appropriate antivenom if necessary. If you are not able to identify the type of snake do not worry – the majority of snake bites in the United States are not from poisonous snakes.
There are four main things you should do if you are bitten by a snake:
1. Remain calm
2. Call for medical help
3. Remove any tight clothing or jewelry from the area around the bite
4. Apply a bandage to the bite area
Do not try to catch or kill the snake – this can be dangerous and is not necessary for treatment.
If you are more than an hour away from medical help there are some additional things you can do to help keep the bite victim comfortable:
1. Keep the bite victim calm and still to prevent the spread of venom
2. Position the bite victim so that the bite is below the level of the heart
3. Apply a bandage loosely over the bite area
4. Do not allow the bite victim to walk if they are having difficulty doing so
5. Do not try to remove the venom from the wound
When you arrive at the hospital the medical staff will take over and provide the necessary care. They will likely give the victim a tetanus shot and start them on antibiotics. If the bite is from a poisonous snake they will also administer the appropriate antivenom.
Snake bites can be serious but with prompt medical treatment most people make a full recovery.
What are the general steps you should take if you are bitten by a snake?
Answer 1: Immediately call for medical help and remove any jewelry or tight clothing from the area of the bite.
If possible try to keep the affected area lower than the level of your heart to help slow the spread of venom.
What should you NOT do if you are bitten by a snake?
Answer 2: You should not try to suck out the venom or make a cut over the bite.
How can you tell if a snake is venomous?
Answer 3: You can usually tell if a snake is venomous by its narrow head and elliptical pupils.
What are some common symptoms of a venomous snake bite?
Answer 4: Symptoms of a venomous snake bite may include severe pain swelling bruising and blistering at the site of the bite.
You may also experience nausea vomiting headache dizziness and difficulty breathing.
What should you do if you see a snake in your home?
Answer 5: If you see a snake in your home carefully and slowly back out of the room and call for professional help.
Do not try to capture or kill the snake yourself.
What should you do if you see a snake while hiking?
Answer 6: If you see a snake while hiking give it a wide berth and do not try to disturb or capture it.
What should you do if you are bitten by a venomous snake?
Answer 7: If you are bitten by a venomous snake immediately call for medical help and remove any jewelry or tight clothing from the area of the bite.
If possible try to keep the affected area lower than the level of your heart to help slow the spread of venom.
What is the best way to avoid being bitten by a snake?
Answer 8: The best way to avoid being bitten by a snake is to be aware of your surroundings and avoid areas where snakes are known to live.
If you are hiking in snake country be sure to wear long pants and sturdy boots.
How can you tell if a snake is venomous?
Answer 9: You can usually tell if a snake is venomous by its narrow head and elliptical pupils.
What are some common symptoms of a venomous snake bite?
Answer 10: Symptoms of a venomous snake bite may include severe pain swelling bruising and blistering at the site of the bite.
You may also experience nausea vomiting headache dizziness and difficulty breathing.
What should you do if you see a snake in your home?
Answer 11: If you see a snake in your home carefully and slowly back out of the room and call for professional help.
Do not try to capture or kill the snake yourself.
What should you do if you see a snake while hiking?
Answer 12: If you see a snake while hiking give it a wide berth and do not try to disturb or capture it.
What should you do if you are bitten by a venomous snake?
Answer 13: If you are bitten by a venomous snake immediately call for medical help and remove any jewelry or tight clothing from the area of the bite.
If possible try to keep the affected area lower than the level of your heart to help slow the spread of venom.
What is the best way to avoid being bitten by a snake?
Answer 14: The best way to avoid being bitten by a snake is to be aware of your surroundings and avoid areas where snakes are known to live.
If you are hiking in snake country be sure to wear long pants and sturdy boots.
What should you do if you are bitten by a snake?
Answer 15: Immediately call for medical help and remove any jewelry or tight clothing from the area of the bite.
If possible try to keep the affected area lower than the level of your heart to help slow the spread of venom.
