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SNAKE BITES

© Kathleen Newton

Spring is here, at least for most of the country, and with the warmer weather comes an urge in most of us to get outside and enjoy the great outdoors! However, we humans are not the only ones looking to enjoy the improving weather. After a long winter, our snake friends are also anxious to get out of their homes and appreciate the sunshine, so it's no wonder snakes are at their most active in the spring. Increased outdoor activity in both snakes and humans means occasional confrontations are inevitable. As a matter of fact, most snakebites occur around this time of year.

There are two main types of poisonous snakes in the United States:

PIT VIPERS: The Pit Viper family consists of rattlesnakes (found throughout the U.S.), water moccasins/cottonmouths (found in the Southern United States), and copperheads (found in the Eastern U.S.). Pit Vipers are responsible for 98% of poisonous snakebites in the United States.

CORAL SNAKES: Found in the Appalachian Mountains, as well as the Southern and Southwestern United States, Coral snakes are often mistaken for two harmless, non-poisonous snakes found in the same areas: the Scarlet snake and the Scarlet Kingsnake. An old rhyme can help you remember the difference: "If red touches yellow, it can kill a fellow". If you see a snake with bands of red bordering on bands of yellow, STAY AWAY. Of course, you can always be like me and avoid ALL snakes, regardless of their color!

GENERAL SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF A POISONOUS SNAKE BITE (however, symptoms may vary depending on the type of snake)

-Of course, two small puncture marks in the skin.

-A burning sensation around the bite area.

-Swelling of the affected and surrounding areas.

-Dizziness and headache.

-A tingling feeling throughout the entire body.

-Sweating.

-Rapid pulse.

-Thirst.

Victims of a coral snake bite may experience the following symptoms: (note: these symptoms may occur some time after the bite)

-Disorientation

-Drowsiness

-Slurred speech.

-Hallucinations.

-Convulsions.

FIRST AID FOR POISONOUS SNAKE BITES:

-CALL 911.

-Position the victim comfortably and do not allow the victim to move around.

-Apply a sterile dressing or clean cloth over the wound.

-Immobilize the affected area (splint the joints above and below the wound). Make sure you don't tie the splint too tightly.

DO NOT:

-attempt to suck out the venom by any method.

-make any sort of incision on or around the bite.

-allow the victim to eat or drink anything.

-raise the affected area above heart level.

If you can, get a good description of the offending snake to give to the ER staff.

The copyright of the article SNAKE BITES in First Aid is owned by Kathleen Newton. Permission to republish SNAKE BITES in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.