Your heart will race at the mere prospect of a snake bite, but before you freak out and start acting like a cowboy, forget about sucking out the poison. Knowing what to do in the event of a snake bite can save a life—possibly your own—if you’re unfortunate enough to run across a slithery neighbor.
The majority of snake bites in the United States are not lethal, and not all snakes are poisonous. However, if treatment is delayed, some bites can cause severe injury or even death. Let’s dissect it, then!
Snakes that are poisonous
According to the Mayo Clinic, only 15% of the thousands of snake species worldwide are poisonous, and that percentage gradually rises to 20% in the United States.
North American venomous snakes include:
Rattlesnakes
Copperheads
Cottonmouths
Snakes of coral
Pit vipers, which are identified by their triangular heads, slit-shaped pupils, heat-sensing pits between the eyes and nostrils, and of course, fangs, represent the majority of venomous snakes in the United States. With its big pupils, cigar-shaped head, and vivid bands of red, yellow, and black, the coral snake defies convention.
Symptoms of a snake bite
The majority of snake strikes occur on the upper body, such as the hands, wrists, or arms, frequently as a result of someone being too close or failing to notice the snake in time.
A non-toxic snake bite
Consider yourself fortunate if you have ever encountered a nonvenomous snake. Even though these bites are nasty, they typically cause more bark than bite. Anticipate some scratches or puncture marks, localized pain, and possibly some redness or swelling at the spot. It resembles a warning shot from nature.
A poisonous snake bite
But things swiftly get out of hand when a poisonous snake bites you. Intense pain that radiates from the bite and gets worse over time is frequently experienced right away. According to the Mayo Clinic, swelling and bruising typically ensue, and not only in the immediate vicinity of the bite. Your body may respond with nausea, weakness, trouble breathing, or even an unexpected, strange, metallic taste in your tongue.
The venom of certain snakes, such as the coral snake, is completely different. Their toxins attack your neurological system rather than tissue, which results in drooping eyelids, tingling in your fingers or toes, trouble swallowing, and weakness in your muscles. Not only are these symptoms strange, but they are also dangerous and indicate that you need emergency care.
A dry bite
A dry bite, in which a snake sinks its teeth into the skin without injecting venom, can also occur occasionally.
Early detection of symptoms and understanding the distinctions between bite kinds can make all the difference.
The American Red Cross cautions, “The majority of fatalities from venomous snake bites happen because the victim had an allergic reaction to the venom, is ill, or too much time passed before he or she received medical care.”
How to respond if a snake bites you
1. Remain composed: Although this is easier said than done, maintaining composure lowers your pulse rate, which can help venom spread more slowly.
2. Make an emergency call right away: Call 911 or make your way as fast and safely as you can to the closest emergency room. Timely medical attention saves lives.
3. Keep the bite site motionless and below the level of the heart because movement accelerates the circulation of venom. If at all possible, keep the bitten limb below your heart and immobilize it with a splint or sling.
4. Take off jewelry and tight clothing because swelling can occur quickly. To prevent circulation problems, remove watches, rings, and tight clothes close to the bite site.
5. Identify the snake: If it’s safe to do so, try to remember the snake’s color and shape or take a picture of it. This can assist medical professionals in selecting the best antivenom.
Things not to do
Just as important as knowing what to do after being bitten by a snake is understanding what not to do.
Avoid:
Sucking out the venom is not medicine; that’s Hollywood.
You will only make things worse if you cut the wound.
Applying a tourniquet or ice can both harm tissue.
Don’t try to be hero by attempting to catch the snake; instead, try to kill it.
Although snake bites might be frightening, you can significantly improve your chances of recovering if you take the proper precautions. Additionally, keep in mind that snakes are not trying to harm you. Most would prefer to avoid conflict than fight. However, you now know exactly what to do in the event of a bite.
In order for your friends to know what to do in the event that they get bitten by a snake, please make sure you tell them this story!
