Snakebite, First Aid 

There are 2 kinds of snakebites: poisonous (venomous) and nonpoisonous (nonvenomous). Most snakes are nonpoisonous, and bites from such snakes can be treated as puncture wounds. First aid for puncture wounds can be found in the Wound text. Poisonous snakebites are much less common but much more dangerous, and they can even be deadly.

First Aid Guide
Any time a person has been bitten by a confirmed or suspected poisonous snake, the injury should be treated as a medical emergency. While awaiting emergency medical care, there are first aid measures that should be taken.

1. Call emergency medical services.
2. If possible, let the emergency operator know what kind of snake caused the bite. Note: Do not attempt to catch or kill the snake. Poisonous snakes can bite reflexively even after they are dead.
3. Check the person's airway, breathing, and circulation. If the person is having breathing problems, allow him/her to get in the position that is most naturally comfortable to breathe.
4. Wash the bite with soap and water.
5. As swelling may occur from the bite, remove any constrictive clothing or jewelry near the injury site.
6. 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.
7. If signs of shock occur, such as decreased alertness or the person becomes very pale, lay him/her flat, raise the feet 8–12 inches, and cover the person with a light blanket or coat. Be sure to not elevate the bite area, so if the bite has occurred on the feet or legs, this is not recommended.

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 raise the site of the bite above the person's heart.