First Aid for Snake Bites

First Aid for Snake Bites #1: Never Give Antivenin to Snake Bite Victims

Snake bite victims can have an allergic reaction to antivenin which creates more complications and greater risks then the actual snake bites. Doctors can determine which antivenin and course of treatment is best for each patient. Allergic reaction to antivenin can require advanced heart and lung support equipment. Do not ever give antivenin to snake bite victims.

First Aid for Snake Bites #2: Calm the Snake Bite Victim

Keep the snake bite victim calm. Increased blood flow through the body only spreads the poison faster. More people die and are injured in panic states from snake bites then injuries and illness from actual snake bites. Many times snakes have dry snake bites that do not put poison into the victim. Most symptoms do not occur for one or more hours after being bit.

First Aid for Snake Bites #3: Use Snake Bite Kit Immediately

Follow the directions on the First Aid snake bite kit for removal of the venom by suction. These kits will remove some of the venom but not all of it. If a kit is not available, do not use the mouth to suck out venom. Venom is absorbed through the gums and poisons the person giving First Aid.

First Aid for Snake Bites #4: Treat Puncture Wound Without Cutting an X

First Aid for snake bite wounds is to wash the wound area with warm, soapy water. The common myth of cutting an X into the wound creates irritation and possible infection. Not all snakes will leave two puncture wounds. Some wounds are deeper then others. Use common sense and cover the wound with dry, First Aid gauze on the way to the doctor. Avoid ice packs, cold packs and Freon sprays to the wound area.

First Aid for Snake Bites #5: Remove Watches, Rings, Sleeves and Cuffs

Most snake bite areas will swell. Jewelry, sleeves and cuffs can become tight and cut off the blood circulation to the extremities. No blood circulation is dangerous and can even lead to amputations.

First Aid for Snake Bites #6: Lower Snake Bite Wound to Heart Level or Lower

Have the snake bite victim lower the snake bite wound area to heart level or lower.

Use a snake bite kit instead of your mouth for extracting snake poison.

Credit: Sawyer Products

Copyright: Sawyer Products