First all snakes can bite.
- All snakes are not venomous
- Sometimes the snake delivers a dry bite
- All snakebites are potentially dangerous.
If bitten:
1. Snakes often stay within 20 feet from site bite. Keep yourself and the victim protected from another bite. Identification of snakes can be difficult. A few miles away,in another season or a different gender may cause the snake to appear different. Identification is less important than your safety. In the United States most antivenom is combination of venoms of poisoness snakes from that area.
2. Once safety is insured, clean area with soap and water, iodine or alcohol. Look for symptoms. Please note sometimes these do not start for four or more hours. Examine the wound for dirt or broken teeth. Remove anything which may constrict an area if swelling happens (rings, watches, shoes, etc).
3. If by chance, the snake has been identified as non venomous you will still need a tetanus shot if your booster is more than five years old. Puncture wounds can be serious.
4. If the snake has been identified as venomous or you just do not know you should seek emergency medical treatment now. Never assume because of lack of symptoms that you do not need treatment, symptoms may be delayed several hours.
Venomous reactions fall into four catagories:
* Local tissue damage.
* Internal bleeding.
* Nervous system reactions.
* Cardiac symptoms.
A list of do NOTS supported by medical literature:
- Do NOT cut and suck. Cutting into the bite site can damage underlying organs, increase the risk of infection, and does not result in venom removal.
- Do NOT use ice. Ice does not deactivate the venom and can cause frostbite.
- Do NOT drink alcohol. Alcohol may deaden the pain, but it also makes the local blood vessels bigger, which can increase venom absorption.
- Do NOT use tourniquets or constriction bands. These have not been proven effective, may cause increased tissue damage, and could cost the victim a limb.
This information, easily obtainable on the internet, is provided as a guide. It is for information purposes only and does not intend to contradict or replace information provided by trained medical personnel.
