Snake Bite Symptoms| First aid for Snake Bites

Posted on May 20, 2009 by mkr in Alternative Therapies

Information on Snake Bites

Getting bitten by a snake is a remote possibility. However the bite of a poisonous snake can be painful and even fatal, most of them are highly treatable.

What are the symptoms of Snake Bites

  • When a person is bitten by a poisonous-snake, fang punctured wounds and a pattern of tooth marks is left behind.
  • When a venomous pit viper bites, there is rapid swelling and pain at the bitten area, accompanied by numbness around the mouth, sweating, dizziness and nausea.
  • When a poisonous coral snake strikes, there is pain, sweating, slurred speech, drowsiness, double vision and nausea.

First aid Treatment for Snake Bites

  1. Try to keep the person calm and warm.
  2. The part of the body that is bitten should be immobilized and should be kept below heart level.
  3. Do not waste time in catching the snake.
  4. Use soap and water to cleanse the wound and cover it with a sterile-gauze.
  5. Use a constricting band around the bitten arm or leg, if less than 5 minutes have elapsed since the bite, and medical help is still 1/2 hour away. Apply the band 3 inches above the bite.
  6. Avoid application of ice as it may drive the venom deeper.
  7. If you are hours away from medical care, you can cut the wound and suck the poison. But you should be trained in the procedure and have a suction cup.
  8. If the bite is on the arm or hand remove rings and other constricting items.

Preventive measures for Snake Bites

  • Never tease or hurt a snake, and don’t handle them if you are untrained.
  • Wear long pants and foot gear that covers your ankles, thick gloves if your are out in the wilderness.
  • Camp in open space and avoid gathering firewood at night.
  • If you have spotted a snake outside, keep away from it.
  • Do not step into dark places or heavy bushes.
  • Be careful when you turn a fallen branch or rock

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