The Center for Disease Control estimates that 7,000-8,000 people are bitten by venomous snakes in the United States annually. The types of venomous snake vary by region and while the symptoms of envenomation vary according to the species of snake, emergency first aid for bites should always be the same.
Identifying the Type of Snake
The description of a snake’s color, markings and size is valuable information for hospital treatment. Antivenom is available for all native species within the US, provided the snake can be identified swiftly. The snake should never be approached or handled directly, so gather all details from a distance.
It is possible to identify a venomous from a non-venomous bite from the wound itself. Poisonous snakes have fangs that act as hypodermic syringes, causing large puncture wounds, whereas non-venomous snakes tend to graze the skin, leaving long rows of scratches.
Thirty to 50 percent of snake bites are “dry bites” with no or little venom injected, but all bites should be taken seriously and treated as if envenomation has occurred. Symptoms of a venomous bite differ, so do not delay seeking emergency care just because the victim is without symptoms.
General Venomous Snake Bite Symptoms
Each species of snake has distinctive toxic properties that cause specialized symptoms to occur. Snake venoms are either hemotoxic (damaging blood and tissue) or neurotoxic (damaging nerves), but several symptoms are common to most envenomations.
Initial symptoms may include:
- puncture wounds or fang marks at the bite site
- bleeding and swelling at the wound site
- blurred vision and dizziness
- sweating (excessively)
- pain, localized to the bite wound to begin with
As envenomation progresses, symptoms may include:
- skin feels like it is burning
- excruciating pain in the affected limb or body wide
- fever
- nausea and vomiting
- rapid pulse (tachycardia)
- increased thirst
- weakness
- numbness or tingling
- intermittent loss of consciousness
End-stage envenomation is indicated by:
- convulsions
- shock
- loss of muscle coordination
- necrosis
- loss of consciousness
- coma
Questions to Ask While Treating a Snake Bite
The location of a bite, the victim’s age and any underlying medical conditions can have a direct effect on successful treatment for poisonous bites. Try to glean as much information from the victim as possible about medical history, allergies and medications currently being taken. Information is invaluable to medical personnel and the act of questioning and gathering information, will aid in calming both the panicking patient and the caregiver by shifting the focus away, from potentially negative consequences.
What to Do When Treating Snake Bites
All venomous snake bites should be treated as follows:
- move the victim away from the snake when safe to do so
- keep the patient seated and as calm as possible. Excitability and movement will cause the venom to progress through the body far more quickly
- ninety percent of snake bites occur on the arms, hands, legs or feet area. Remove any jewelry and keep the extremity below heart level
- keep the affected part immobilized to prevent the spread of toxin to the lymphatic system.
- Seek professional medical help as soon as possible
What Not to Do When Treating Snake Bites
Do not do the following when treating snake bites:
- do not cut or suction the affected area.
- do not apply ice packs or cooling packs
- do not administer caffeine or OTC medications, especially ibuprofen. Caffeine will increase the heart rate and pump the venom faster through the body. Ibuprofen will thin the blood and may cause massive internal bleeding, especially if the toxin contains a procoagulant, an agent that prevents clotting
- do not apply a tourniquet unless the situation is dire and emergency care is not readily available. Tourniquets can restrict arterial blood flow, causing added tissue damage and death of a limb. If you must apply a tourniquet use a wide piece of material and apply it two to four inches above the bite site. Ensure that you can comfortably slide one to two fingers beneath the material at all times
Snake Bite Prevention
Practicing emergency measures ahead of time can be hugely beneficial in survival outcomes, especially for children. Poisonous snake bites are fatal in only about five to six people per year. The Gulf Coast Research & Education Center at the University of Florida says, that "you are nine times more likely to die from being struck by lightning than you are to die of a venomous snakebite."
While advanced treatment with antivenom has significantly increased survival rates, learning how to avoid venomous snake bites in different regions is the greatest prevention of all.
Sources:
Johnson, Steven Albert "Frequently Asked Questions About Venomous Snakes" University of Florida
Jiann-Ruey Ong, MD; Hon-Ping Ma, MD; Tzong-Luen Wang, MD, PhD "Snakebites" Dept of Emergency Medicine Taiwan 2004
Acosta Stephen C. MD "Snake bites" Department of Emergency Medicine, Portland VA Medical Center, Portland, OR Medline Plus 2008
Elizabeth Batt - Elizabeth Batt is a former large animal nurse, certified NREMT, lover of equines and conservationist.
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