What to do if you get bitten by a snake

Snake bites are quite rare. However, there are some snake bites that are actually lethal. You need to know what you should look for and what to do so as to be able to avoid the bites in the best way possible.



In the summer, people love to engage in lots of activities outdoors. Camping, hiking, new places and beautiful scenery is something that totally attracts us humans. However, as you lurk into these exotic environments, you may encounter a snake. Not all snake bites are deadly or dangerous but some can be lethal.

In some cases, you may have seen people sucking from a snake bite but it isn’t the correct way to handle the matter. Even where snake bites are rare, they still do occur and so it is important to know what should be done once someone has been bitten. Snake bites are events that are frightening and evoke the strongest of emotions in the victims and doctors. However, advances have been made so as to treat the bites by use of anti-venom methods.

Find out: How to get snakes out from under a shed or porch

Before getting to hospital
If you or someone else has been bitten by a snake, the first thing to do is to get away from the snakes as to avoid yet another bite. Capturing the snake is out of question. This isn’t necessary since you may get even more bites if you attempt to do it. Stay as calm as you possibly can as you make some arrangements to get medical assistance.

Suction and incision are outdated measures. Immersing the bite in ice, electric shock and applying tourniquet have no value and sometimes they can pose more danger to the victim. It is important that the body part that has been bitten be kept in a position which is neutral or below the heart level. Any clothing or jewelry which is constricting needs to be removed so as to prevent any kind of swelling.

Learn more: Venomous snake vs poisonous snake

Usually, the first responders focus of supporting the airways of the victim, breathing and also circulations. An IV catheter is usually used as the patient is being transported to a health facility. It is very important that you as fast as you can and get help.

There are two main goals when it comes to the handling of the victims. These are the first aid ABCs and the administration of the anti-venom whenever it is needed. The doctor may need to hear a history of the patient but the main focus will be the bite. It could also be better if you are able to offer a description of the snake, the medical conditions that the patient has as well as allergies especially with sheep and horse products. These are animals that are utilized when making the anti-venom.

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Other popular snake education articles include How To Get Rid of Snakes and How to Kill a Snake. Read about my experience with Snake Repellent and how to keep snakes away from your property.