How to Administer First Aid for a Rattlesnake Bite

You’ve likely heard many stories about snake bites and how to treat them. Since a rattlesnake bite can be fatal, prompt treatment is vital. The best solution when bitten by a rattlesnake is to get to the hospital as quickly as possible. However, if you’re in an area with access to emergency services like 115, you can take a few actions to assist the victim before the ambulance arrives.

Move away from the rattlesnake’s location. If the snake feels threatened, it might bite again. Therefore, the person bitten should stay clear of the snake’s striking range. Keep at least 6 meters away from the rattlesnake.

Seek medical assistance. It's crucial to seek medical help as quickly as possible. Most hospitals have antivenom for snake bites, and most treatment attempts before reaching the hospital don’t offer significant benefits. If you're in an area where you can call 115, that’s your best option. Otherwise, find help to get you or the person bitten to the nearest hospital.

DO NOT raise the bitten area above the heart. If you elevate the bitten area above the heart, the venom will reach the heart faster through the bloodstream.

Keep the body still. If possible, avoid movement until help arrives. Moving will increase blood circulation, spreading the venom throughout the body faster. Therefore, you or the person bitten should try to stay still if possible.

• Of course, if you're alone, seeking help is more important than staying still.

Remove clothing and jewelry. The area of the skin where the snake bit could swell quickly, so cut or remove clothing near the bite. Also, take off any jewelry in the affected area. If you don't remove them before the bite swells, these items could restrict blood flow, and you may need to cut them off later.

Let the wound bleed. Allow the bite to bleed freely for about thirty seconds. This process helps to expel some of the venom from the wound.

Use a suction device. It's better to try to suck out the venom, but only if you have a specialized tool. Suction devices usually come with instructions, but essentially, you place the suction cup over the bite to draw out the venom.

Place a clean bandage over the wound. Do not wash the wound, as this could remove venom from your skin. Medical professionals may use the marks left on your skin to assist in identifying which type of rattlesnake bit you, helping with treatment.

Splint or bandage the area. A splint or bandage will help keep the wound immobilized and reduce blood circulation to the bite, preventing the venom from spreading.

• To create a bandage for the arm, form a triangle from fabric by folding or cutting a cloth. Wrap the triangular bandage around the arm, placing the elbow at the center. The arm of the person or you should be bent at the elbow to fit the bandage. Tie the two ends of the bandage around the shoulder. Leave the hand free to create a supporting point for the triangle.
• Find an object to support the arm, like a stick, rolled newspaper, or even a piece of fabric. Place the splint along the arm, ensuring it spans above and below the wound. Secure the splint to the arm with anything available, such as a belt, tape, or cloth. Do not bind the injured area itself but secure the surrounding edges. If the wound becomes excessively swollen, reduce the pressure on the splint.

Comfort the injured person. Talk to them. Ask questions to distract them from focusing on the bite. Anxiety and panic can increase heart rate, making the venom spread more easily.

• If you are the one bitten by the snake, try to stay calm. Breathe deeply and slowly to regain composure.
• You can also call the Poison Control Center while waiting for help.

Monitor swelling and discoloration. The easiest way to identify a venomous snake bite is to observe swelling at the bite site. The bite may also change color.

• Another indication of a venomous bite is when there are one or two puncture marks rather than a row, indicating smaller fangs.
• Additionally, symptoms like dizziness, pain at the bite site, blurry vision, and sharp pain in other parts of the body, along with excessive sweating, suggest a venomous bite.

Check for signs of shock. One symptom is weakness or fainting. Other signs include rapid heart rate, labored breathing, nausea, and dizziness. The victim's pupils will also dilate.

• If the person starts going into shock, lay them flat and elevate their legs at least 30 cm. Also, help them stay warm.
• Perform CPR if the snake bite victim shows no signs of life, such as breathing, coughing, or movement.

Avoid alcohol or caffeine. These substances can accelerate the absorption of venom into the body. Therefore, refrain from consuming them after being bitten by a rattlesnake.

Do not cut the wound. A common belief is that cutting the wound can help release venom. However, studies have shown that this method is ineffective and can lead to infection if a dirty knife is used.

Do not use your mouth to suck the wound. Sucking venom from the wound with your mouth only transfers it to your mouth. Moreover, your mouth is full of bacteria, which can infect the bite with germs from your saliva.

• In fact, within 15 minutes, the venom has entered the lymphatic system, so attempting to suck it out after this time is pointless.

Do not use a tourniquet. A tourniquet prevents blood from circulating to your hand. This advice was given in the past, based on the belief that it would stop the venom from spreading throughout the body. However, this is often more harmful than helpful.

Do not apply ice or submerge the wound in water. It's crucial to preserve any healthy tissue for as long as possible. Using ice or water is counterproductive because it reduces blood circulation.

Do not urinate on the bite. This idea is as absurd as it sounds, with the myth claiming that urinating on the bite neutralizes the toxin. Urine does not help with the bite, and you should spend your time getting to the hospital instead of doing this.

Do not give the snakebite victim anything to eat or drink while waiting for medical care. This includes both medications and alcohol. You need to keep the metabolism slow.