How to Treat a Snake Bite - wikiHow

How to Treat a Snake Bite

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Snakes are carnivorous reptiles that live in a wide variety of habitats around the world. While most snakes are not venomous, a minority carry venom that can cause painful injury or even death to humans.

Non-Venomous Snakebites

Although not likely to be life-threatening, bites from non-venomous snakes can still be painful and lead to infection.

1. 1
   Clean the wound carefully, and stay calm. Wash with clean water. Use an alcohol-soaked pad if one is available. Try not to Panic.
2. 2
   Treat the wound with an antibiotic ointment. Apply a thin coating of antibiotic ointment.
3. 3
   Bandage the wound. This will protect it and help to discourage infection. Pay attention to the wound as it heals for redness or streaking or other signs of infection.

Venomous Snakebites

These steps for treating venomous snakebites assume that you have no special equipment such as a snakebite kit and do not have immediate access to medical services.^[1]

1. 1
   Get the victim away from the snake. Your first priority is to make sure that neither you nor the victim receive any additional snakebites.
2. 2
   Remove clothing or constricting items. Bites from venomous snakes can cause rapid and severe swelling. Remove clothing or jewelry from the area.
3. 3
   Minimize activity. Higher levels of activity will increase blood flow and increase the spread of poison through the body.
4. 4
   Do not cut the bite site or use your mouth to suck out the poison. These are likely to be ineffective and can increase the likelihood of infection.
5. 5
   Clean the bite site with soap and water. Cover the wound with a dressing.
6. 6
   Wrap the bite site with a tight elastic bandage. You can use something like an Ace bandage for this, or can fashion one from a stretchy shirt or other article of clothing.
   
   
   • The intent of this step is to slow capillary and venous blood flow (flow back to the heart), but permit arterial blood flow (away from the heart).
   • Check for a pulse below the overwrap. It should be present.
     
     
7. 7
   Splint the bitten limb to prevent motion. Keep a the splinted extremity below the level of the heart.
8. 8
   Keep the victim calm and protected from the environment. Let the victim rest until you can get him medical attention. If the victim is conscious, make him drink fluids.

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