What To Do and Not To Do When a Snake Bite You – MUST READ!

Though snake bites are often not deadly – or even dangerous – some can be lethal.

Snake bites can be deadly if not treated quickly. Children are at higher risk for death or serious complications due to snake bites because of their smaller body size.

If such situation should arise, check out the following do’s and don’ts so you’ll be prepared and ready to administer the proper treatment to yourself or to a friend.

Snake Bites Do’s

1. Keep the person calm. Reassure them that bites can be effectively treated in an emergency room. Restrict movement, and keep the affected area below heart level to reduce the flow of venom.

2. If you have a suction cup, use it to draw the venom out of the bite marks. Never sucks the venom with your own mouth. It is well known that with a suction of more than 270 mm Hg of venom you can reduce its spreading.

3. Remove any rings or constricting items, because the affected area may swell. Create a loose splint to help restrict movement of the area.

4. If the area of the bite begins to swell and change color, the snake was probably venomous.

5. Monitor the person’s vital signs — temperature, pulse, rate of breathing, and blood pressure — if possible. If there are signs of shock (such as paleness), lay the person flat, raise the feet about a foot, and cover the person with a blanket.

6. Get medical help right away. After doing first aid, it is still best to have an expert look after the victim. Hospital have the anti-venom necessary to treat snake bites.

Snake Bites Don’ts

1. Do NOT allow the person to become over-exerted. If necessary, carry the person to safety.
2. Do NOT apply a tourniquet or any strings for it will stop the blood flows and may lead to body parts amputated.
3. Do NOT apply ice or cold compresses to a snake bite.
4. Do NOT cut into a snake bite with a knife or razor.
5. Do NOT try to suck out the venom by mouth.
6. Do NOT give the person stimulants or pain medications unless a doctor tells you to do so.
7. Do NOT give the person anything by mouth.
8. Do NOT raise the site of the bite above the level of the person’s heart.
9. Do NOT waste time hunting for the snake, and do not risk another bite if it is not easy to kill the snake.

Source: Mayo Clinic, Aol.com