Snakebite, First Aid

Who's At Risk?

Snakes typically avoid people and bite only when they feel threatened or surprised. To reduce your risk of being bitten by a snake, avoid picking them up or playing with them.

People who live in or visit areas that are known to have venomous snakes are at an increased risk for snakebites.

Signs & Symptoms

Fang or bite marks may or may not be visible following a snakebite. The site will often be painful and may change color and begin to swell. Following nonvenomous snakebites, there will typically be pain and scratches at the bite site. Following venomous snakebites, there is often tenderness to intense pain at the bite site, and the area may swell and bruise. The person may have shallow breathing, feel nauseated, have difficulty swallowing, and may feel muscle weakness. Symptoms will vary based on the type of snakebite.

Most venomous snakes have slit-like pupils, a triangular head, and clearly visible fangs. Common venomous snakes are pit vipers (rattlesnakes, water moccasins, and copperheads) and coral snakes. They can be identified by the following features:

• Rattlesnake – There are rings at the end of the snake’s tail that produce a rattling sound when they shake their tail.
• Water moccasin, or cottonmouth – These snakes have a white, cotton-like lining in their mouths, which they display when alarmed.
• Copperhead – These snakes have diamond-shaped markings down their backs. They rapidly move their tails when they are angry, but they do not have rattles.
• Coral snakes – These snakes have red, yellow, and black rings along the entire length of their bodies. Coral snakes, unlike most other venomous snakes, have round pupils and small fangs that may not be visible.

Self-Care Guidelines

First Aid Guide
Any time a person has been bitten by a confirmed or suspected venomous snake, the injury should be treated as a medical emergency. While awaiting emergency medical care:

1. Call emergency medical services. If possible, let the emergency personnel know what kind of snake caused the bite. Do not attempt to catch or kill the snake. Venomous snakes can bite reflexively even after they are dead.
2. Check the person’s airway, breathing, and circulation (ABCs). If the person is having breathing problems, help them into the position that they find most comfortable to breathe naturally.
3. As swelling may occur from the bite, remove any constrictive clothing and jewelry near the injury site.
4. To slow the spread of venom, place the site of the bite lower than the level of the person’s heart. Keep it there and keep the person as still as possible.
5. Wash the bite with soap and water.
6. If signs of shock occur, such as decreased alertness or very pale skin, lay the person flat, raise their feet 8-12 inches, and cover them with a light blanket or coat. Note: If the bite occurred on the person’s feet or legs, do not elevate the legs.

The following should NOT be done after a snake bite has occurred:

• Do not attempt to remove snake venom by sucking it or cutting it out.
• Do not apply ice or a cold compress to a snake bite.
• Do not apply a tourniquet.
• Do not give the person any sort of pain reliever as these types of medications can cause blood clotting problems.
• Do not raise the bite site above the person’s heart.

Treatments

Treatment of venomous snakebites requires thorough cleansing of the wound and observation to determine whether envenomation will develop over time. In most cases of venomous snakebites, antivenom is given.

The medical professional may give a tetanus vaccination if the wound is dirty or deep, or if the previous vaccination was more than 5 years ago. If infection occurs at the wound site, the medical professional will likely prescribe antibiotics.

Visit Urgency

Any time a person has been bitten by a confirmed or suspected venomous snake, seek emergency medical assistance immediately.

Following any snakebite, watch for signs of infection. If suspected infection develops days later (eg, the affected area is very red or warm to the touch, painful, oozing pus, or blood-filled), seek medical attention.