HOW TO SURVIVE A POISONOUS SNAKE ATTACK
Because poisonous snakes can be difficult to identify— and because some nonpoisonous snakes have markings very similar to venomous ones—the best way to avoid getting bitten is to leave all snakes alone. Assume that a snake is venomous unless you know for certain that it is not.
How to TREAT A BITE
1) Wash the bite with soap and water as soon as you can.
2) Immobilize the bitten area and keep it lower than the heart. This will slow the flow of the venom.
3) Get medical help as soon as possible.
A doctor should treat all snakebites unless you are willing to bet your life that the offending snake is nonpoisonous. A bite from any type of poisonous snake should always be considered a medical emergency. Even bites from nonpoisonous snakes should be treated professionally,
as severe allergic reactions can occur.
4) Immediately wrap a bandage tightly two to four inches above the bite to help slow the venom if you are unable to reach medical care within thirty minutes.
The bandage should not cut off blood flow from a vein or artery. Make the bandage loose enough for a finger to slip underneath. If you have a first aid kit equipped with a suction device, follow the instructions for helping to draw venom out of the wound without making an incision. Generally, you will need to place the rubber suction cup over the wound and attempt to draw the venom out from the bite marks.
What NOT TO DO
• Do not place any ice or cooling element on the bite; this will make removing the venom with suction more difficult.
• Do not tie a bandage or a tourniquet too tightly. If used incorrectly, a tourniquet can cut blood flow completely and damage the limb.
• Do not make any incision on or around the wound in an attempt to remove the venom—there is danger of infection.
• Do not attempt to suck out the venom. You do not want it in your mouth, where it might enter your bloodstream.
Because poisonous snakes can be difficult to identify— and because some nonpoisonous snakes have markings very similar to venomous ones—the best way to avoid getting bitten is to leave all snakes alone. Assume that a snake is venomous unless you know for certain that it is not.
How to TREAT A BITE
1) Wash the bite with soap and water as soon as you can.
2) Immobilize the bitten area and keep it lower than the heart. This will slow the flow of the venom.
3) Get medical help as soon as possible.
A doctor should treat all snakebites unless you are willing to bet your life that the offending snake is nonpoisonous. A bite from any type of poisonous snake should always be considered a medical emergency. Even bites from nonpoisonous snakes should be treated professionally,
as severe allergic reactions can occur.
4) Immediately wrap a bandage tightly two to four inches above the bite to help slow the venom if you are unable to reach medical care within thirty minutes.
The bandage should not cut off blood flow from a vein or artery. Make the bandage loose enough for a finger to slip underneath. If you have a first aid kit equipped with a suction device, follow the instructions for helping to draw venom out of the wound without making an incision. Generally, you will need to place the rubber suction cup over the wound and attempt to draw the venom out from the bite marks.
What NOT TO DO
• Do not place any ice or cooling element on the bite; this will make removing the venom with suction more difficult.
• Do not tie a bandage or a tourniquet too tightly. If used incorrectly, a tourniquet can cut blood flow completely and damage the limb.
• Do not make any incision on or around the wound in an attempt to remove the venom—there is danger of infection.
• Do not attempt to suck out the venom. You do not want it in your mouth, where it might enter your bloodstream.
