Contact John Loeschhorn
mtnrnr@pacbell.net

First Aid for Snakebites

Not all rattlesnake bites deliver an injection of venom. Mild snakebites hurt, swell, turn black and blue, and may even blister at the bite. Moderate snakebites result in swelling that moves up the leg towards the heart, with numbness and swelling of the lymph nodes. Severe snakebites, those from large, pissed off rattlesnakes, result in large jumps in pulse and breathing rates, with profound swelling, blurred vision, headache, lightheadedness, sweating, chills, and the possibility of death.

Because all rattlesnake bites are dangerous, you need to seek medical attention immediately. The degree of your danger depends on your age, size, and health, how allergic you are to the venom, and where you were bitten. Being bitten near a vital organs is the most dangerous situation. How deep did the snake sink its fangs, how upset was the snake, the species and size of the snake, and the first aid given are all important considerations. A person will normally know within the first 30 minutes, how serious the bite is.

The First-Aid Guidelines

Remain calm and keep the bitten area immobilized and lower than the heart. Remember only 10 out of 8,000 bite victims are likely to die. With these odds, you should feel lucky; you do feel lucky don't you? Remove rings, watches, and anything else that might reduce circulation if swelling occurs.

Wash the wound, and monitor swelling.

Visit a doctor as soon as possible.

Do NOT cut the wound and Do NOT try to suck the venom out of the wound by mouth or any other means.

Do NOT take painkillers, such as aspirin, Tylenol or advil.

Do NOT apply ice, or immerse the wound in cold water.

Do NOT apply a tourniquet.

Do NOT drink alcohol. Remember, the majority of people who die of snake bite in America are 20 something, male and inebriated.

Copyright © 2001 by John Loeschhorn - Mail to:mtnrnr@pacbell.net June 23, 2001