2. SNAKE BITES
• CALL 911 IF:
• 1. There is any chance that the snake is venomous
• 2. The person has difficulty breathing
• 3. There is loss of consciousness
• 4. If you know the snake is not venomous, treat as a puncture
wound.
3. SNAKE BITES
• TREATMENT:
• 1. Note the Snake's Appearance
• A. Be ready to describe the snake to emergency staff.
• 2. Protect the Person
• While waiting for medical help:
• A. Move the person beyond striking distance of the snake.
• B. Have the person lie down with wound below the heart.
• C. Keep the person calm and at rest, remaining as still as possible to keep venom
from spreading.
• D. Cover the wound with loose, sterile bandage.
• E. Remove any jewelry from the area that was bitten.
• F. Remove shoes if the leg or foot was bitten.
4. SNAKE BITES
• 3. Do not:
• A. Cut a bite wound
• B. Attempt to suck out venom
• C. Apply tourniquet, ice, or water
• D. Give the person alcohol or carbonated drinks or any other medications
• 4. Follow Up
• If you treat the bite at home:
• A. Contact a health care provider. The person may need a tetanus shot.
Tetanus boosters should be given every 10 years.
5. SNAKE BITES
• At the hospital, treatment will depend on the type of snake.
• A. If the snake was venomous, the person will be given anti-venom
treatment.
• B. A tetanus shot may be given, depending on date of last injection.
