Rattlesnake Bites: What to Do if Bitten By a Poisonous Snake
Rattlesnake bites account for an overwhelming amount of the venomous bites that occur in the Unites States, as they are the most prevalent venomous snakes and are found in every state except for Maine, Alaska, and Hawaii. If you are one of the 8000 venomous snake bite victims that get bit each year in the U.S. then it will be very important that you know what to do to minimize the effects as they can be lifelong and even life threatening if not taken care of correctly. So, what should you do if you are someone else is bitten by a rattlesnake? This article will tell you both what to do and what not to do.
It is a fact that more people die from bees and wasps stings then poisonous snake. In the U.S. alone, bees and wasps are responsible for up to 40 deaths a year, which believe it or not is about the same as ants. Most insect bite deaths are a result of allergic reaction. Venomous snakes might bite 8000 people a year, but the deaths they cause are usually 4-5 a year. Antivenins are responsible for saving many lives and are readily available in most medical facilities throughout the developed world. Unfortunately, where most of the snake bites occur throughout the world are those that do not have antivenins readily available. India has more bites and deaths by venomous snakes than all other countries combined!
There are several things you should do if bitten by a rattlesnake or other venomous snake that can lessen the severity of the toxic effects that snake venom has on the body. Likewise there are many things that you should not do, many of which have been said to be beneficial in the past that have since been proven wrong.
What to do: If you are bit by a rattlesnake, here is a list of the things you should do.
What Not to Do: this is a list of things that you should not do if bit by a rattlesnake.
While it is always good to know what to do if you get bit by a rattlesnake, the best thing you can do is avoid getting bit all together. The most definite thing you can do is avoid poisonous snake territory. Of course, this is not always that easy as said. A good way to prevent rattle snake bites is to wear snake protective gear. Snake protection comes in many different forms, and what is best for you will vary with your situation. Snake boots, gaiters, chaps, pants, and gloves are all available for purchase. You can learn more about snake protective gear and the best brands of each at this site: www.SnakeProofGear.com.
It is a fact that more people die from bees and wasps stings then poisonous snake. In the U.S. alone, bees and wasps are responsible for up to 40 deaths a year, which believe it or not is about the same as ants. Most insect bite deaths are a result of allergic reaction. Venomous snakes might bite 8000 people a year, but the deaths they cause are usually 4-5 a year. Antivenins are responsible for saving many lives and are readily available in most medical facilities throughout the developed world. Unfortunately, where most of the snake bites occur throughout the world are those that do not have antivenins readily available. India has more bites and deaths by venomous snakes than all other countries combined!
There are several things you should do if bitten by a rattlesnake or other venomous snake that can lessen the severity of the toxic effects that snake venom has on the body. Likewise there are many things that you should not do, many of which have been said to be beneficial in the past that have since been proven wrong.
What to do: If you are bit by a rattlesnake, here is a list of the things you should do.
- Get away from the snake! Obviously the last thing you want is to get bit twice.
- Stay calm! Letting your adrenalin get the best of you is a good way to get your heart beat up and increase the rate of the venom spreading.
- If you can get help to your position without moving very far, then lay down with the bite area lower than the heart and call for help by dialing 911 or the appropriate medical emergency contact.
- If you need to get to an area where you can contact emergency services, do so while immobilizing the area of the bite with a splint to reduce the movement of the affected area.
- Remove rings and bracelets that may get in the way of swelling.
- Place a band about two inches both above and below the bite with it snug to slow the spreading of the venom. Do not make it so tight as to restrict blood flow as this can make things worse.
- If available it is advised to wash the bite area with soap and water.
- Seek medical care as soon as possible to get the antivenins. If the person bit must walk a ways to get help, it is wise to rest for up 10-20 minutes in order to allow the venom to localize and not spread throughout the body.
What Not to Do: this is a list of things that you should not do if bit by a rattlesnake.
- Sucking Venom out is said to not be much help. Definitely do not suck venom out of another person as this is a possible way of transmitting bacteria and causing infection, make a poisonous snake bit much worse.
- Icing and cooling a rattlesnake bite is not suggested and is said to make the damaging effects even worse.
- Do not cut the bite what so ever, as this can cause tissue damage and lead to quicker spreading of the venom, and again enhances the chances of infection.
- Do not but a constricting band directly over the bite in a tourniquet like fashion. Blood flow is essential and lack of could result in loss of an extremity.
While it is always good to know what to do if you get bit by a rattlesnake, the best thing you can do is avoid getting bit all together. The most definite thing you can do is avoid poisonous snake territory. Of course, this is not always that easy as said. A good way to prevent rattle snake bites is to wear snake protective gear. Snake protection comes in many different forms, and what is best for you will vary with your situation. Snake boots, gaiters, chaps, pants, and gloves are all available for purchase. You can learn more about snake protective gear and the best brands of each at this site: www.SnakeProofGear.com.
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