Non-Traumatic Emergencies
Snake Bites
Each year, approximately 7,000 people receive bites from venomous snakes in the United States. Even a bite from a so-called "harmless" snake can cause infection or allergic reaction in some people. For maximum safety treat all snake bites as if they were venomous and get to a hospital emergency room as quickly as possible, especially if you are unsure of the exact type of snake responsible for the bite.
People who frequent wilderness areas, camp, hike, picnic, or live in snake-inhabited areas should be aware of the potential dangers posed by venomous snakes. These people should:
- know how to identify venomous snakes.
- carry a snakebite kit and know how to use it.
- have access to transportation and medical assistance in case of emergency.
Only about 5 percent, or roughly 25 species, of snakes in the US are venomous. The most common venomous snake bites are caused by the following snakes:
- pit vipers - rattlesnakes, copperheads and cottonmouth (water moccasin) snakes
- coral snakes
Rattlesnake bites cause most of the venomous bites in the US. Coral snakes cause less than 1 percent of venomous snake bites.
The following are the most common symptoms of venomous snake bites. However, each individual may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include:
- bloody wound discharge
- fang marks in the skin and swelling at the site of the bite
- severe localized pain
- discoloration
- enlarged lymph nodes in the area affected
- diarrhea
- burning
- convulsions
- fainting
- dizziness
- weakness
- blurred vision
- excessive sweating
- fever
- increased thirst
- loss of muscle coordination
- nausea and vomiting
- numbness and tingling
- rapid pulse
- altered mental state
- shock
- paralysis
- breathing difficulties
The symptoms of a venomous snake bite may resemble other medical conditions or problems. Always consult your physician for a diagnosis.
Call for emergency assistance immediately if someone has been bitten by a snake. Responding quickly in this type of emergency is crucial. While waiting for emergency assistance:
- Wash the bite with soap and water.
- Immobilize the bitten area and keep it lower than the heart.
- Cover the area with a clean, cool compress or a moist dressing to minimize swelling and discomfort.
- Monitor breathing and heart rate.
- Remove all rings, watches, and constrictive clothing, in case of swelling.
- Use a pump suction device if available and follow manufacturer’s directions for use (this can be placed over the bite to help draw venom out of the wound without making a cut).
- Note the time of the bite so that it can be reported to an emergency room physician if needed.
- Do not apply a tourniquet.
Most often, physicians use antivenin - an antitoxin specific to the venom of a particular animal or insect - to treat serious snake bites. Antivenin is derived from antibodies created in a horse's blood serum when the animal is injected with snake venom. Because antivenin is obtained from horses, snake bite victims sensitive to horse products must be carefully managed.
Some bites, such as those inflicted when you accidentally step on a snake in the woods, are nearly impossible to prevent. However, there are precautions that can reduce your chances of being bitten by a snake, including the following:
- Leave snakes alone. Many people are bitten because they try to kill a snake or get too close to it.
- Stay out of tall grass unless you wear thick leather boots and remain on hiking paths as much as possible.
- Keep hands and feet out of areas you cannot see. Do not pick up rocks or firewood unless you are out of a snake's striking distance.
- Be cautious and alert when climbing rocks.
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