A snake bite can occur at any time you least expect it.
It can happen while walking through long grass, cleaning up the yard, gathering firewood, gardening or even stepping into a shed. Encountering snakes is a daily fact of life in many parts of the world, especially in Australia.
The one big thing to remember is this: Stay as calm and as still as you possibly can.
Panic makes it worse. Moving around too much can also spread the venom faster in the body. That’s why quick, cool-headed action is so important.
Not every snake bite injects venom, but you should never take a chance. Treat every snake bite seriously until told otherwise by medical professionals.
The first thing to do is call the emergency services immediately. In Australia dial Triple Zero, 000. Dial 911 in the United States. Don’t wait for symptoms to appear. Health authorities advise immediate medical attention for suspected venomous snakebites.
Keep them lying down and stay with them and reassure them until help arrives. Try to prevent them walking, or moving the bitten limb. If the bite is on an arm or leg, the limb should be immobilised.
A pressure immobilisation bandage is often recommended by first aid groups in Australia for suspected snakebites. This means tying a tight bandage over the bite and then bandaging the whole limb from the fingers or toes upwards. The bandage should be snug but not so tight that it cuts off blood circulation. The limb should then, if possible, be immobilised with a splint.
This is especially important in Australia, where many dangerous Australian snake venoms travel in the lymphatic system, and keeping the person still may slow the spread.
If you are in Australia, do not wash the bitten area. Venom left on the skin can help doctors determine what kind of snake was involved. St John’s first aid advice also stresses the importance of keeping the patient still, calling for emergency help and applying pressure immobilisation.
And there are a few things you shouldn’t do.
Don’t cut the wound.
Do not attempt to suck out the venom.
Avoid ice.
Don’t use a tourniquet.
Don’t try to catch or kill the snake.
The CDC cautions that touching a snake, even after it has bitten you, can put you at risk of another bite. It recommends not cutting the wound, sucking out venom, using ice or applying a tourniquet.
If it is safe, try to remember the snake’s appearance but do not go after it. A photograph might help, but only from a safe distance. Medical teams often treat snakebites without bringing the snake in.
Also helpful is removing tight items such as rings, watches or tight clothing near the bite area as swelling may occur. Keep the person warm, calm and still until help arrives.
And prevention is important too.
A lot of bites happen close to home. Snakes may be drawn to places where they can hide or find food. Long grass, wood piles, rubbish, sheds and rodents can make snakes more likely to approach a home.
Mow the grass regularly, clean up piles of debris, seal cracks around buildings, store firewood properly and dispose of rodents to reduce the risk. When you work outdoors, wear closed shoes or boots, long trousers and gloves.
If you see a snake, leave it alone. Most snakes aren’t trying to attack people. They will usually bite if they feel threatened, stepped on or trapped.
A snake bite is scary, but knowing what to do can make a big difference.
Ask for help.
Leave the person alone.
Use the appropriate first aid for your area.
Avoid old wives’ tales like cutting the wound or sucking out venom.
Most importantly, get medical help as soon as possible.
A dangerous moment can have a much better outcome with calm action and the right first aid.