"When in trouble or in doubt, run in circles, scream and shout!" (R.A. Heinlein)... Nothing will get you deader quicker than this behavior when dealing with a snake bite from a member of a venomous species. The key to survival is to remain calm and take a few simple steps to prevent the rapid spread of toxins in the blood.
Steps
- The above is probably the most important piece of life saving information you will need. A simple rule of thumb is any snake that bites you is the one that's venomous, so be sure to see a doctor as soon as possible after being bitten.
- If you are able to, without getting even more agitated, you should kill the snake and bring him with you to the hospital emergency room/department. Most toxins are species specific and identification of the species allows for rapid infusion of the correct anti venom.
- Do not use a tourniquet. While certain medical conditions still are helped with proper application of a tourniquet, these are few in number. In most cases, application of a tourniquet will cause tissue death and possibly eventuate the need for amputation of the affected area distal to the heart.
- Stay calm. This sounds trite, but will save your life. By becoming agitated, you increase the flow of blood to the affected area and increase the amount of toxin able to find its way into your tissues.
- Rather than using a tourniquet, a constriction band is called for in this instance. A constriction band is similar to a tourniquet, the primary difference being the amount of force applied to the site. A constriction band will reduce but not totally stop the flow of blood to the area distal to the heart. When applying the band, if the affected area becomes cold or numb within a few minutes, it is too tight and needs to be loosened somewhat.
- Walk, do not run, to the nearest help. If you have a cell phone, call the emergency medical assistance number (911 in the US) and advise them of your situation. Most current cell phones have the ability to be traced through triangulation with cell towers, so even if you don't know your exact location, chances are help will be on the way. If you have called emergency services, the best thing to do is remain standing with the affected area lower than the heart and wait for help to come to you.
- Do not make "X" incisions over the fang injuries and suck out the toxin. You will most likely cause excessive bleeding and further infection from the germs in your mouth.
- Carry a Sawyer Extractor snakebite kit. Read the directions and familiarize yourself with its use before you need it. The kit is not a substitute for medical care.
- In the end, the most important thing to remember is DON'T PANIC. In the United States especially, there are few snakes that are unforgivably deadly. Keep your calm about you and seek medical assistance immediately. You will be all right, even though you will probably be in a lot of pain for the time being. Do not let the pain overcome your reason; you are the smart one, not the snake’s venom.
- The last step should have been the first. As with all accidents, the best treatment is prevention. Know where you are going and what you can expect to encounter. Snakes, like almost all wild animals, seek to avoid you. When in the woods, make enough noise to warn the snake you are coming. Watch where you place your feet. Most snake bites are to the lower legs due to walking on or close enough to the snake that it feels threatened. Given the chance to slither away, the snake will always take that safest route.
- The other most common injury is to the hand or lower arm. Some references on the web say that the most commonly bitten person in the U.S. is a young inebriated male. So don't drink and play with wild snakes!
- If you have access to snake chaps, you should use them, even though they are hideously hot and uncomfortable. If clearing brush, wear heavy leather gloves and try to look at the area you are about to reach into (prior to putting your hand there). Use a hiking stick, as it will be ahead of your feet, to give you some warning to snakes that you're approaching so they can leave without feeling threatened.
Tips
- A constriction band can be made out of just about anything. Use a belt or piece of rope. A rubber band will also make a good constriction band as well. If you have a back pack, you can cut the strap (sacrificing the pack for your life, but a worthy trade) and use that.
Warnings
- Don't panic. Keep your wits about you.
- Do not use a tourniquet. A tourniquet, in the long run, represents more danger than most snake bites.
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