U.S. Food and Drug Administration –


The danger of snake bites:
Each year, nearly 8,000 people receive poisonous snake bites in the United States. Even a bite from a so-called "harmless" snake can cause infection or allergic reaction in some people. People who frequently visit wilderness areas, camp, hike, picnic, or live in snake-inhabited areas should be aware of the potential dangers posed by venomous snakes.

Snakes that cause poisonous bites

Symptoms of a poisonous bites
Individuals may experience symptoms differently,
but the following are the most common symptoms of poisonous snake bites:

• bloody wound discharge
• fang marks in the skin and swelling at the site of the bite
• severe localized pain
• diarrhea
• burning
• convulsions
• fainting
• dizziness
• weakness
* blurred vision
• excessive sweating
• fever
• increased thirst
• loss of muscle coordination
• nausea and vomiting
• numbness and tingling
• rapid pulse

Treating snake bites
It is crucial to respond quickly, call for emergency assistance immediately!

While waiting for emergency assistance:
• Wash the bite with soap and water.
• Immobilize the bitten area and keep it lower than the heart.
• Cover the area with a clean, cool compress or a moist dressing to minimize swelling and discomfort.
• Monitor vital signs.

If a victim is unable to reach medical care within 30 minutes, the American Red Cross recommends:
• Apply a bandage, wrapped two to four inches above the bite, to help slow the venom. This should not cut off the flow of blood from a vein or artery - the band should be loose enough to slip a finger under it.

• A suction device can be placed over the bite to help draw venom out of the wound without making cuts. These devices are often included in commercial snake bite kits.

Most often, physicians use antivenin -- an antidote to snake venom -- to treat serious snake bites. Antivenin is derived from antibodies created in a horse's blood serum when the animal is injected with snake venom. Because antivenin is obtained from horses, snake bite victims sensitive to horse products must be carefully managed.

Preventing snake bites:
Some bites, such as those inflicted when you accidentally step on a snake in the woods, are nearly impossible to prevent. However, there are precautions that can reduce your chances of being bitten by a snake.

These include:
• Leave snakes alone. Many people are bitten because they try to kill a snake or get too close to it.
• Stay out of tall grass unless you wear thick leather boots and remain on hiking paths as much as possible.
• Keep hands and feet out of areas you cannot see. Do not pick up rocks or firewood unless you are out of a
snake's striking distance.
• Be cautious and alert when climbing rocks.

How NOT to Treat a Snakebite
Though US medical professionals may not agree on every aspect of what to do for snakebite first aid, they are nearly unanimous in their views of what not to do.

Among their recommendations:
• No ice or any other type of cooling on the bite. Research has shown this to be potentially harmful.
• No tourniquets. This cuts blood flow completely and may result in loss of the affected limb.
• No electric shock. This method is under study and has yet to be proven effective. It could harm the victim.
• No incisions in the wound. Such measures have not been proven useful and may cause further injury.