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The key to surviving a venomous snake bite is to stay calm and seek immediate medical assistance. When a venomous snake bites, it injects venom (a toxic substance) into the victim's body. Without treatment, the bite can be fatal. However, if the victim quickly receives antivenom, it can prevent and reverse serious damage.
Steps
Quick and Calm Response
Call emergency services. In Vietnam, the emergency number is 112, in the U.S. it's 911, in the UK it's 999, and in Australia, it's 000. The critical factor in surviving a venomous snake bite is receiving antivenom as soon as possible.
- Call the emergency number even if you're unsure whether the snake that bit you is venomous. Don't wait for symptoms to appear. If it is venomous, the venom can spread while you wait.
- The emergency operator will decide whether to send an ambulance/helicopter to assist you or if you should go to the nearest emergency room yourself.
- In the latter case, ask someone to drive you to the hospital. Do not drive yourself. As the venom spreads, it can cause blurred vision, difficulty breathing, and paralysis, making driving dangerous.
Describe the snake that bit you to the emergency operator. When calling for help, provide a detailed description of the snake. This helps them prepare the appropriate antivenom, though medical professionals will consult a Poison Control expert for the best treatment. Share as much detail as possible about the snake's characteristics.
- How long is it?
- How thick is it?
- What color is it?
- What is the shape of its head? Is it triangular?
- What do its pupils look like? Are they round or vertical slits?
- If someone can quickly take a photo of the snake while you call for help, bring the photo with you.
- Do not attempt to kill or capture the snake. This is dangerous, wastes precious time, and increases venom spread as you move.
- Some antivenoms are polyvalent, meaning they can counteract multiple types of venom.
Stay calm. Remain as still and quiet as possible while waiting for an ambulance or traveling to the hospital. A faster heart rate increases blood flow to the bite area, spreading venom more quickly.
- The bite area will likely swell. Remove any jewelry or tight clothing immediately.
- Keep the bite area below heart level to slow venom spread.
- If bitten on an arm or leg, immobilize it with a splint to prevent movement and reduce venom circulation.
- If someone can carry you, ask for assistance to minimize venom spread from walking.
- If you must walk, avoid carrying additional weight (e.g., a backpack) to conserve energy.
Allow the wound to bleed. Initially, bleeding may be heavy due to the snake's anticoagulant venom. If the bite is deep enough to cause arterial spray (e.g., hitting a major artery), apply pressure to the wound.
- While some sources suggest washing the wound with soap and water, others advise against it, as venom traces can help medical experts identify the snake and select the right antivenom.
- Cover the bite with a clean, dry bandage.
Monitor symptoms of the bite. Symptoms vary depending on the snake species, bite severity, and venom amount. Possible symptoms include:
- Redness, discoloration, or swelling around the wound
- Severe pain or burning sensation
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Low blood pressure
- Dizziness or fainting
- Difficulty breathing
- Blurred vision
- Headache
- Excessive salivation
- Sweating, fever, and thirst
- Tingling or numbness in the face or limbs
- Loss of coordination
- Slurred speech
- Swelling of the tongue and throat
- Abdominal pain
- Weakness
- Rapid pulse
- Seizures
- Shock
- Paralysis
- Blurred vision
Consider your options if you are far from medical help. Most modern mobile phones have GPS, enabling emergency services to locate you even in remote areas. Always call emergency services first to discuss your options. Remember, antivenom is the most effective treatment. Without it, a bite can be fatal or cause permanent damage. If you cannot reach emergency services, you can:
- Continue walking until you find a place to call for help. Move as quickly as possible but conserve energy. If you’re with others, ask them to carry your backpack.
- If walking isn’t feasible, clean the wound with soap and water to reduce infection risk.
- Wrap a bandage 5–10 cm above the bite to restrict, but not stop, blood flow. Ensure fingers remain movable. This slows venom spread without harming your limb.
- If you have a snakebite first aid kit with a suction pump, follow the manufacturer’s instructions. While some sources claim it’s ineffective, it’s worth trying if antivenom isn’t immediately available.
- Rest and stay calm. Keep the bite below heart level to slow venom spread. Not all snakebites inject venom, and if they do, the amount varies. You might get lucky.
Recognize Actions to Avoid
Avoid applying ice or cold packs. Ice can reduce blood flow, causing venom to concentrate in tissues, which may lead to tissue damage.
Leave the wound alone. Do not cut it. This is often done before suction, but it increases infection risk.
- Snake fangs are curved, so venom may not be injected where you think.
- Venom may already be spreading.
Do not attempt to suck out venom with your mouth. Transferring venom to your mouth is dangerous, as it can be absorbed through oral membranes. You may also introduce bacteria into the wound, increasing infection risk.
- Most venom is absorbed quickly, so seek medical help immediately.
- While some sources recommend suction devices, their effectiveness is debated.
Only take prescribed medication. Avoid any other drugs or painkillers unless directed by a doctor. Medication cannot replace antivenom.
Do not use electric shock devices or stun guns on the wound. They can harm you and have not been proven effective.
Avoid using a tourniquet. Restricting blood flow can cause venom to accumulate at the bite site, damaging tissues, and completely stopping circulation may lead to limb loss.
- Consider applying a pressure bandage 5–10 cm above the bite to slow venom spread if medical help is delayed. However, this can concentrate venom in the area, increasing the risk of tissue damage.
- Do not completely cut off blood flow to the affected limb.
Prevent Snake Bites
Do not provoke snakes. If you see a snake, move around it and keep a safe distance. Snakes can strike quickly when threatened.
- If you hear a rattlesnake, leave the area immediately.
- Most snakes will try to avoid you if given the chance.
- Do not disturb or poke snakes with sticks.
- Do not attempt to catch snakes.
Wear thick boots and snake-proof gaiters. Snake-proof gaiters are leather coverings worn over your boots to protect your legs from snake bites. They are heavy and warm, making them less ideal for long hikes, but they are highly effective in preventing snake bites. You can purchase specialized gaiters designed for snake protection.
- Protective footwear and snake-proof gaiters are essential for nighttime hikes, as you might accidentally step on a snake without noticing.
Avoid areas with tall grass. Tall grass makes it difficult to see where you’re stepping and increases the risk of encountering a snake. If you must walk through tall grass where snakes may hide, use a long stick to sweep the grass ahead of you. This helps clear the path, allowing you to spot snakes and scare them away.
Do not move rocks or logs. Avoid lifting rocks or logs, as these are common hiding spots for snakes. If you must move them, use a long stick and avoid placing your hands in any crevices you cannot clearly see.
- If you’re gardening or planting in snake-prone areas, wear thick gloves for protection. Opt for long leather gloves that cover your arms, not just your hands.
Learn to identify venomous snakes in your area. To protect yourself, familiarize yourself with the appearance of venomous snakes in your region and avoid them at all costs. Always stay alert and listen for the sound of a rattlesnake’s rattle. If you hear it, move away from the area as quickly as possible!
