If you are bitten by a snake, retreat out of its striking range and try not to panic. Most bites are "dry bites," in which little or no venom is delivered by the snake. Remember that definitive snakebite treatment is provided at a hospital, not in the field.What are the types of venomous snakes?

1. Pit Vipers (including rattlesnakes, cottonmouth water moccasin, copperhead): A characteristic triangular head, vertical elliptical pupils("cat's eyes"), two elongated and hinged fangs in the front part of the jaw, heat (infrared)-sensing facial pits on the sides of the head midway between and below the level of the eyes and the nostrils, a single row of scales on the underbelly leading to the tail (not seen in nonpoisonous snakes), and rattles on the tail (rattlesnake).
• A rattlesnake's age is not determined by the number of rattles, since molting may occur up to four times a year.
• Because fangs are replaced every 6 to 10 weeks in the adult rattlesnake, bites may demonstrate from 1 to 4 large puncture marks.
2. Coral snakes: Characterized by their color pattern, with red, black, and yellow or white bands encircling the body. A general rule is "red on yellow - kill a fellow (venomous); red on black - venom lack (nonvenomous)." The fangs are very short and fixed, and the snakes have round pupils.

How do I treat a snakebite?

The definitive treatment for serious snake venom poisoning is the administration of antivenom. The most important aspect of therapy is to get the victim to an appropriate medical facility as quickly as possible.

1. Don't panic. Most bites, even by venomous snakes, do not result in medically significant envenomations. Reassure the victim and keep him from acting in an energy-consuming, purposeless fashion
2. Retreat out of the striking range of the snake, the snake's body length (for pit vipers, it is approximately 1/2 the body length).
3. Locate the snake. If possible, identify the species. If you cannot do this with confidence (really only important for the Mojave rattlesnake or a coral snake), kill the animal with a blow on the neck from a long heavy stick. Collect the snake and bring it along for proper identification.
• This may be extremely important in estimating the amount of antivenom necessary; however, never delay transport of the victim in order to capture a snake.
• Carry the dead animal in a container that will not allow the head of the snake to bite another victim (the jaws can bite in a reflex action for 20 to 60 minutes after death). If you are not sure how to collect the snake, it is best just to get away from it.
4. Apply the Extractor suction device according to the manufacturer's instructions This may remove venom without the need for a skin incision.
5. Splint the bitten body part, to avoid unnecessary motion. Allow room for swelling within the splint. Maintain the bitten arm or leg at a level below the heart. Remove any jewelry that could become an inadvertent tourniquet.
6. Transport the victim to the nearest hospital.
7. Wash the bite wound vigorously with soap and water.

If the victim is >2 hrs. from medical attention.

If the victim is more than 2 hours from medical attention, and the bite is on the arm or leg, consider the pressure immobilization or constriction band techniques.

1. Pressure immobilization technique: Place a 2" x 2" cloth pad (1/4" thick) over the bite and apply an elastic wrap firmly around the involved limb directly over the padded bite site with a margin of at least 4 to 6 inches on either side of the wound. Check for adequate circulation in the fingers and toes (normal feeling and color).
• Alternative method: Wrap the entire limb at the described tightness with an elasticbandage. The wrap is meant to impede absorption of venom into the general circulation by containing it within the compressed tissue and microscopic blood and lymphatic vessels near the limb surface.
• Then splint the limb to prevent motion. If the bite is on the hand or arm, also apply a sling.
2. An alternative to the pressure immobilization technique is a constriction band (not a tourniquet) wrapped a few inches closer to the heart than the bite marks on the bitten limb.
• Apply this tightly enough to only occlude the superficial veins and lymph passages. The band may be advanced periodically to stay ahead of the swelling. It is of questionable usefulness if 30 minutes have intervened between the time of the bite and the application of the constriction band (or pressure-immobilization technique).

DO NOT:

There are a number of things not to do for a snake bite.

1. Do not apply ice directly to the wound or immerse the part in ice water. An ice pack placed over the wound is of no proven value. Application ofextreme cold can cause an injury similar to frostbite.
2. The impression of most snakebite experts is that incision and suction are of little value and probably should be abandoned. It appears that little venom can actually be removed from the bite site unless a perfectly placed incision is made immediately after the bite and followed by superb suction. Furthermore, mouth contact with a crisscross incision invariably creates a nasty infection that leaves a noticeable scar; there is also the risk of transmission of blood-borne disease.
3. "Snakebite medicine" (whiskey) is of no value and may actually be harmful if it increases circulation to the skin.
4. There is not yet scientific evidence that electrical shocks applied to snakebites are of any value. To the contrary, there are experiments that refute this concept.

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