Snake bite: first aid

Most snakes are not dangerous to humans. There are only about 15% of venomous snakes worldwide and 20% in the United States. In North America, these snakes include pythons, coral snakes, gorillas,and copperheads. Bites from these snakes can cause serious injury and sometimes death.
If you've been bitten by a venomous snake, call 911 or your local emergency number immediately, especially if the area that was bitten is painful, changing, or beginning to swell. Many emergency rooms stock anti-poisoning medications, which can help you.

If possible, follow these steps while waiting for medical help:

• Snake bite distance.
• Stay calm and still and help slow the spread of the poison.
• Remove jewelry and tight clothing from the area before it begins to swell.
• If possible, position the sting so that the sting is at or below the level of your heart.
• Clean the wound with soap and water. Cover it with a clean, dry bandage.

Attention

• Do not use compression bands or ice.
• Do not open the wound or try to suck out the venom.
• Don't drink caffeine or alcoholic beverages, as they can speed up the body's absorption of toxins.
• Don't try to catch the snake. Try to remember its color and shape so that you can describe it, as this will help your treatment. If you have a smartphone and this won't delay you from asking for help, take a picture of the snake from a safe distance to help identify its species.

Symptoms

Most snakebites occur in the extremities. Common symptoms of a non-venomous snake bite are pain and scratches at the site of the bite.

Usually, after being bitten by a venomous snake, there will be intense burning pain at the site of the bite within 15 to 30 minutes. This can develop and cause swelling and bruising in the wound and along the arm or leg. Other signs and symptoms include nausea, shortness of breath, a general feeling of weakness, and a strange taste in the mouth.

Some snakes, such as coral snakes, have venoms that cause neurological symptoms, such as skin tingling, difficulty speaking, and weakness.

Sometimes, a venomous snake can bite without injecting/releasing the venom. The result of these "dry bites" is irritation at the site of the bite.

Poisonous snakes in North America

Most venomous snakes in North America have slit-like eyes and are known as pit vipers. Their heads are triangular in shape and have fangs. The only exception is the coral snake, which has a round head and two round pupils. The heads of non-venomous snakes are usually round, and the pupils are round and without fangs.