There are a number of myths about snakebites and the proper treatment.The treatment is important since rattlesnake bites can be fatal.The best way to respond to a rattlesnake bite is to get to the hospital as quickly as possible, though you can do a few things to help the bite before the ambulance arrives.
Step 1: Move away from the snake.
The snake can strike again if it feels threatened.The person who was bitten should move away from the snake.Get at least 20 feet away from the snake.
Step 2: Get the attention of the doctor.
It's important to get medical attention as soon as possible.Most hospitals have an appropriate antivenom, and most treatments done before the hospital do not help much.If you're in an area where you can call an ambulance, that's the best option.Try to find someone to take you or the injured person to the hospital.It's important to go to the hospital immediately if you were bitten by a snake.If you start to show symptoms of venom entering your body, it's better to go to the hospital.
Step 3: The area above the heart should not be moved.
The venom from the bite will go to the heart quicker if you place the area above it.
Step 4: A person should be kept immobile.
Don't let the person move until help arrives.The movement increases blood flow.The person bitten should try to minimize movement as much as possible.It is more important to find help if you are alone.
Step 5: Remove jewelry and clothing.
If you're near a snakebite, cut away or take off clothing because the area can swell.Also, remove jewelry from the area.Jewelry may need to be cut off if it is not taken off before the area swells.
Step 6: Allow the wound to bleed.
Allow the bite to bleed for a short time.The venom may be able to flow out of the wound.
Step 7: Use a pump.
It's good to try to suck out the venom, but only if you have a device that can do that.The pump comes with instructions on how to use it, but you place it over the bite to help suck out the venom.
Step 8: There is a bandage on the wound.
Don't wash the wound, it will remove the venom from your skin.If you were bitten by a rattlesnake, the medical professionals may be able to use what's on your skin to help with your treatment.
Step 9: Put a sling around the limb.
Slowing the blood flow to the area can be aided by a sling or splint.That can keep the venom from spreading.You can make a triangle out of fabric by folding it or cutting it.The elbow at the middle point is where you should wrap the triangle around the arm.The person's arm should be bent at the elbow to fit into the sling.Tie the ends together.The hand should stay at the base of the triangle.Sticks, newspapers, or even rolled-up fabric can be found to support the limb.To incorporate a joint above and below the wound, lay the supports alongside the limb.Attach the supports to the limb with whatever you have on hand.Wrap the wound on either side.If the wound swells too much, you may need to lower the pressure of the splint.
Step 10: Take care of the person.
Talk to them.To keep their mind off the bite, ask them questions.The heartbeat can be increased by anxiety and panic.If you've been bitten, try to remain calm.Take a few deep breaths to relax.You can call Poison Control while you wait.
Step 11: It's a good idea to watch for swelling and discolored skin.
One way to tell if the bite was venomous is to watch for the area to swell.It could change colors.One to two puncture wounds, rather than a row of small punctures, is an indication of a venomous snakebite.Symptoms of a venomous bite include dizziness, pain at the site, blurred vision and heavy sweating.
Step 12: There are signs of shock.
Paleness is one symptom.Rapid heartbeat, fast breathing, nausea, and dizziness are some of the signs of shock.Look for a person's pupils getting bigger.If the person goes into shock, lay them down on their back and raise their feet up.Wrap the person in a blanket to keep them warm.If the person doesn't show any signs of life, start cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
Step 13: It's a good idea to avoid alcohol or caffeine.
Your body takes in venom more quickly with these substances.Do not drink these beverages if you have been bitten by a rattlesnake.
Step 14: Don't cut the wound.
The belief is that cutting the bites can help release the venom.If you use a dirty knife, you can spread the wound if this method doesn't work.
Step 15: Don't use your mouth to suck the wound.
You introduce venom to your mouth by sucking.You could also transmit the germs from your mouth to the bite.Within 15 minutes, the venom has entered the lymphatic system, so sucking after this point is useless.
Step 16: Do not apply a tourniquet.
The blood flow to the limb is cut off with a tourniquet.The advice was given in the past to stop the venom from traveling to the rest of the body.It does more harm than good.
Step 17: Don't immerse the wound in water.
The viable tissue needs to be preserved for as long as possible.Blood circulation would be slowed by using ice or water.
Step 18: Don't urinate on the bite.
There is a myth that says to urinate on the bite.Urine won't help the bite.You should spend that time getting to the hospital.
Step 19: Don't give the person anything to eat or drink while they wait.
This also includes alcohol and medication.You want the metabolism to be low.