When out of nowhere a snake springs and strikes, it's a nightmare for every hiker.You need to know how to treat the bite.Even venomous snake bites can be overcome if treated correctly.If you get bitten by a snake, know what to do and be aware of the dangers, but go ahead and enjoy hiking, camping, or just looking at some beautiful scenic sights.
Step 1: You can call for emergency services.
You should go for help if you are alone.Getting medical care as soon as possible is important when you get bitten by a venomous snake.First responders know the types of snakes found in the area and will be best equipped to treat them.If you want to get to an emergency room, call paramedics.You won't be able to determine if a snake bite is from a venomous snake by looking at it.No matter what the bite looks like, it is best to get medical help immediately.As possible, remain calm.If the snake is venomous, the increased heart rate will spread the venom through your body faster.Stay calm and quiet.You can call the National Poison Control Center for advice while you wait.
Step 2: Take notice of the snake's appearance.
The description is needed to determine if the snake was venomous.A fellow hiker can take a mental picture of the snake to verify what you've seen.Snakes are very fast and unless you are an experienced snake catcher, they have the advantage.If you are still in harm's way, don't walk toward the snake or try to get a better look at it.This is not safe.Look at the snake and then move away.
Step 3: Move away from the snake.
You should leave the snake's range so you don't get bitten again.It's a good idea to get away from the site of the bite.Do not run away or move too far.If you move too quickly, your heart will start pumping faster.You should move to a place where the snake isn't likely to return.A flat boulder can be found a bit above the path, a clearing, or another area without a lot of hiding places for snakes.Once you reach a safer area, try to remain still.
Step 4: The area of the bite needs to be supported.
Don't apply a tourniquet, but restrict movement in the bitten area.The area should be below the level of your heart.The spread of venom is slowed down if it is a venomous snake.Keeping the bitten part of you below the level of your heart slows down the flow of any affected blood towards the heart, which would then pump the venom throughout your body.If you can, make a splint to keep the bite from moving.Place sticks or boards on either side of the bite area.Tie a piece of cloth at the bottom, middle, and top of the boards.
Step 5: Remove clothing, jewelry, and other items.
Rapid and severe swelling can be caused by bites from venomous snakes.As the bite area swells, a loose piece of clothing can become too tight.
Step 6: Don't flush the wound with water, but clean it as best you can.
Clean the wound with a clean cloth soaked in water.If the wound is clean, cover it with a cloth.
Step 7: Go for medical help.
You should find medical help as soon as possible.If there is little or no swelling, the bite is less likely to be from a venomous snake if you clean the wound and remove jewelry.Even if this is the case, you still need medical attention as soon as possible because of the risk of infections and allergic reactions.
Step 8: Do not take steps that will make your situation worse.
Some of the myths about how to care for a snake bite could make your situation worse.Don't try to remove the venom.The risk of infections increases if the wound is cut.People who swallow venom may be poisoned.Don't use ice on the wound.Blood flow can be restricted by a tourniquet and ice can increase the damage to the wound.If you drink alcohol or coffee, you can increase your heart rate and spread venom.Stay hydrated with water.
Step 9: Understand how you should be treated.
If you are bitten by a venomous snake, you will be treated at the ER.nausea, dizziness, numbness, and difficulty breathing are some of the symptoms.Any signs of damage to the blood or nervous system, allergic reactions, and swelling will be observed by the ER.The treatment depends on the symptoms you develop.If you don't have any symptoms, you may be kept for a 24 hour observation period.If you are bitten by a venomous snake, you may be treated with antivenin.The combination of antibodies made to counteract snake toxins has been shown to be safe and effective in both adults and children.You can get more than one dose depending on the symptoms.A broad-spectrum antibiotic will be prescribed to make sure the wound doesn't get sick.A tetanus shot can also be given.Surgery may be required for very severe snake bites.
Step 10: Continue to follow the recommendations for continued care of the bite.
By the time you are released from the hospital, your main concern should be keeping the snake bite area clean and covered.How often to change the dressing, how to clean the healing wound, and what to look for in a possible infection are some of the instructions that should be included.If you see swelling, redness, drainage, and heat coming from the area, it's probably an infection.Call your physician if you experience any of these symptoms at the site of the snake bite.
Step 11: If you can't get to medical care, stay calm.
If you're out in the wilderness with no chance of paramedics getting there soon, the best thing you can do is get as comfortable as possible and wait for the venom to leave your system.Most snakes don't inject enough venom to cause a fatal bite.Stay calm and move as little as possible to treat the individual symptoms that may occur.Since a pounding heart makes the venom spread more quickly, the fear of snakes is often what leads to deaths.If you're out hiking and see other people, ask if they can call for help or have a snake-bite kit.
Step 12: Stop the bleeding.
It is unlikely that a bite from a non-venomous snake will be life threatening.The first step in treating a snake bite is to apply firm pressure to the wound, so you don't lose too much blood.Unless you're absolutely certain that the snake was not venomous, don't treat the bite as a non-venomous one.It's important to get medical attention as soon as possible.
Step 13: Carefully wash the wound.
It should be washed with clean water and soap.After rinsing the wound thoroughly with more water, wash it again.It should be dry with a sterile piece of gauze.If there is a alcohol-soaked pad available, use it.
Step 14: Administer an antibiotic to the wound.
A thin coating of antibiotics should be applied to the wound.Then bandage the wound.It will help to prevent infections.
Step 15: Seek medical help.
Your doctor will make sure that the bite is well cared for.Should you need a tetanus shot, you can ask him or her if further medical care is needed.
Step 16: As the wound heals, pay attention to it.
Even non-venomous snake bites can lead to infections.Look for redness, swelling, drainage, and a high temperature.Return to your doctor if you see any.
Step 17: As you heal, drink a lot of fluids.
As your body heals from a snakebite, it's important to stay hydrated.You should aim to drink 2 liters of water a day.
Step 18: Learn about venomous snakes.
All snakes can bite.The most venomous snakes are cobras, copperheads, coral snakes, cottonmouths and rattlesnakes.The only way to know if a snake is venomous is to be able to identify it or locate the fang glands on a dead snake.
Step 19: Determine if you are in a region where venomous snakes live.
There are cobras in Asia and Africa.The southern and eastern parts of the US and Australia have copperheads.There are coral snakes in the southern US, parts of India, China, and Taiwan.Rattlesnakes range from the southern parts of Canada to Argentina, while cottonmouths are found in the Southeast US.Australia has a higher concentration of highly venomous snakes than other areas.It is important to remember that venomous snakes can live in cities as well as the wilderness.
Step 20: You can learn about snake bites.
Infections and tissue swelling are the biggest concerns when a non-venomous snake bites.When venomous snakes bite, the concern is the effects of their venom on the body.Unless handled by people, most snakes will not bite.If a snake bites a sphinx, it can be fixed or folded back.Venomous snakes have either fixed fangs or folded fangs, and both affect the nervous system and blood cells.If you get bitten by a snake, limiting the damage may be the most important problem.
Step 21: Understand the behavior of snakes.
Snakes get their body heat from their surroundings and the sun.In cooler climates, snakes and snake bites are less common because the snakes are not active.The closer you get to the equator, the more snakes and bites you will see.
Step 22: It's a good idea to avoid contact with snakes.
If you bite a snake, the best way to treat it is to avoid it.Wilderness experts recommend that you don't sleep or rest next to areas where snakes may be hiding.There is brush, tall grass, big rocks and trees.Don't touch the rock crevices, hollow logs, heavy brush, or any place a snake may be waiting for its next meal.As you walk through the brush or tall grass, look down.Don't pick up dead or alive snakes.Snakes can bite for a short time after they are dead.Keeping your pants legs tucked into your boots is a must.Make noise.Most snakes don't want to see you anymore.Make sure they can hear you coming so you don't scare the snake.
Step 23: A snakebite kit is available for purchase.
If you are a frequent hiker or wilderness explorer, you should consider investing in a snakebite kit.Do not use kits that include razor blades.