In North America, rattlesnakes
inflict most poisonous snake bites. Other poisonous snakes in North America
are copperheads, cottonmouths (also called water moccasins), and coral snakes.
Even
if a poisonous snake bites you, it
may not inject poison. However,
if your skin is broken by the bite, assume that poison has been injected.
If you are bitten by a snake and
it is safe for someone who is with you to kill the snake, have the person
do so, and take the dead snake with you when you get medical care. Be very
careful when handling the dead snake. The snake's biting reflex remains for
up to 60 minutes after
it has died. By knowing what kind
of snake has bitten you, a health
professional can quickly select the correct treatment.
Get medical care as quickly as
possible. Medication for snake bites is most effective when given within
4 hours and is less effective after more than 12 hours have passed.
Be aware if the area you are in is inhabited by poisonous
snakes.
Wear high leather boots and long pants when you are in
areas that snakes inhabit.
Do not put your hands or feet anywhere until you can
see that it is safe to do so. Do not step over logs or rocks if you
cannot see the other side.
Avoid walking in snake-infested areas at night.
Do not handle snakes, even if they are dead, unless you
know how to identify snakes and know their habits.
If you think you have been bitten
by a poisonous snake:
Keep calm. Frantic activity will cause the poison to
spread faster.
If possible, lie down and keep the area of the bite lower
than your heart.
Tie a band or strip of cloth around the limb between
the bite and the heart. This band should be tight enough to indent the
skin like a rubber band, but not tight enough to stop blood flow.
Do not eat or drink anything, especially alcoholic beverages.
Get medical attention as soon as possible.
Snake bite kits are of minimal benefit. Use them only
if you have been instructed how to do so by an expert.
Call 911 or seek emergency services
if you think that you or someone you are with has just been bitten by a
poisonous snake.