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How to prevent, recognize and treat snake bites

Our slithering foes will soon be out and about

Although nearly 8,000 people are bit by venomous snakes each year, there are usually no more than eight deaths. However, this should not lead backpackers and hikers to believe it isn’t something to worry about. Snakes do not want to waste their poison on humans, but rather rodents and other small animals to feed on. If a bite victim is not treated quickly, the venom can be deathly. Even a bite from a so-called “harmless” snake can cause infection or allergic reaction.

Snake Bite First Aid Procedure

Keep the snake bit victim calm, keeping them still and quiet. Restrict movement, and keep the affected area at or below heart level to reduce the flow of venom.
Remove any rings or constricting items and clothing as the affected area may swell.
Allow the bite to bleed freely for 15 – 30 seconds before cleansing.
Create a loose splint to help restrict movement of the area.
Contact medical help as soon as possible (see below).
Evacuate the victim immediately by hiking to a car, a helicopter, or medical staff.
Monitor the person’s vital signs — temperature, pulse, rate of breathing, and blood pressure — if possible. Watch for any signs of shock (sweating, clammy skin, or shallow breathing), since the fear of having been bitten is often more dangerous than the bite.
Attempt to identify the snake or, only if can be done safely, bring in the dead snake. Do not waste time hunting for the snake, and do not risk another bite if it is not easy to kill the snake. After it has been killed, a snake can still bite for up to an hour, so be careful while transporting it.

The Six Don’ts

Don’t let the allow the victim to engage in strenuous physical activity. If necessary, carry the person to safety. Otherwise, have them hike out slowly without their pack so they are not over-exerted.
Don’t apply a tourniquet. Restricting superficial blood flow does keep the venom from spreading, which you want to avoid. Concentrated venom will rapidly destroy cells. Allowing it to spread will dilute the toxin and reduce tissue damage.
Don’t apply a cold pack. Cold reduces healthy circulation to the infected area. Also, some experts believe snake venom increases vulnerability to frostbite.
Don’t apply a suction device. Removing the venom by suction was once standard procedure, but is no longer considered safe treatment. These devices generally to not remove a substantial amount of toxin and can damage sensitive tissue.
Don’t let the snake bite victim eat or drink anything, including medication and alcohol, unless okayed by medical staff.
Don’t cut across the bite marks and attempt oral suction. Because snake fangs are curved, the pocket of venom will not be where expected and will probably have already spread. Plus, many snake bites are considered “dry,” where there was no toxin released into the victim. This may also increase the risk of infection in the area by having an open wound.

Read the entire article http://www.wildbackpacker.com/wilderness-survival/articles/treating...

Tags: How, and, bites, prevent, recognize, snake, to, treat

2 members like this

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by tim payne on March 30, 2015 at 20:52

good read jan. but you know, a snake bite victim is not going to have a calm head. hopefully the second person would.

Permalink Reply by Jan Carter on March 30, 2015 at 20:54

Tim,

OK, I know I would not be! I was kind of amazed at the dont's. I would have done everything wrong

Permalink Reply by tim payne on March 30, 2015 at 21:01

me too jan. and you are absolutely right about a de-headed snake striking. Have seen a 4" stub of a head, repeatedly strike a hoe handle. After it has been killed, a snake can still bite for up to an hour, so be careful while transporting it.

Permalink Reply by tim payne on March 30, 2015 at 21:13

you aint gonna catch me transporting no snake. same with keeping the tick that bit you, that sucker is gonna be stomped into the dirt, or have a water burial, via the commode.

Permalink Reply by Steve Hanner on April 1, 2015 at 19:20

We have had a few folks bitten by snakes everyyear. The only two that are poisionous are copperheads and rattle snakes. The copperhead bite is painful depending on the size and age of the snake. The Rattlesnke may be fatal if the snake is of any age or is a large size.

The antidote may be worse thn the bite.......

Permalink Reply by tim payne on April 1, 2015 at 19:30

have woods/rocks all around me. usually kill at least one in the yard every year. their head shape and colors are distinctive. not so much afraid of snakes, but I respect them and give them their space. if they don't move along, a shovel or a hoe will terminate them pretty quickly. will use a gun if need be, if its getting near dark.

The antidote may be worse thn the bite....... can only assume what that means hog.

Permalink Reply by tim payne on April 1, 2015 at 19:45

Copperheads are my poisonous variety!

Permalink Reply by Jan Carter on April 1, 2015 at 20:46

Copperheads are ours also. The neighbor saw one three days ago. We all walk with some hefty boots and walking sticks. I mostly worry about the dogs

Permalink Reply by tim payne on April 4, 2015 at 4:45

wow copperheads already out, not good news. also worry bout my outdoor cats and the dogs.

Permalink Reply by Sue OldsWidow on July 22, 2015 at 12:17