What to Do After a Snake Bite: 5 Critical Mistakes to Avoid

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1. Don’t Attempt to Suck Out the Venom

Ah, the Hollywood classic: a dramatic scene where the hero sucks venom from a wound and spits it out with flair. Spoiler alert—this doesn’t work.

Why It’s a Bad Idea:

• Venom travels through your lymphatic system, not your bloodstream (at least not immediately). By the time you’re getting mouth-to-wound intimate, it’s already circulating.

• Your mouth is a bacterial wonderland. Introducing oral bacteria to an open wound increases the risk of infection.

• If you’ve got cuts or sores in your mouth, congratulations! You’ve just given venom a shortcut into your system.

What You SHOULD Do Instead:

• Keep calm and immobilize the affected limb to slow venom spread.

• Avoid movement as much as possible to limit lymphatic circulation.

2. Don’t Use a Tourniquet

Some people think a tourniquet is the magical solution to stopping venom in its tracks. It’s not. What it can do, however, is cause you to lose a limb. A fair trade? Nope.

Why It’s a Bad Idea:

• Tourniquets cut off blood flow entirely, causing tissue death. Nobody needs an amputation as a side dish to venom.

• Trapping venom in one location can lead to concentrated tissue damage and systemic shock when it’s eventually released.

What You SHOULD Do Instead:

• Apply a pressure bandage (not a tourniquet!) to slow venom spread without cutting off circulation.

• Keep the bitten limb below heart level to reduce venom travel.

3. Don’t Try to Catch or Kill the Snake

While your inner adventurer might want to seek vengeance or confirm the snake species, leave it alone. The snake has had its fun—don’t give it a round two.

Why It’s a Bad Idea:

• Getting close to a venomous snake increases your chances of being bitten again. Double the bites, double the trouble.

• Identifying the snake is helpful, but many hospitals can treat snake bites without knowing the species.

• Killing the snake can delay your critical next steps: getting to a hospital.

What You SHOULD Do Instead:

• Take a mental snapshot of the snake’s appearance and leave it be. You’re not Steve Irwin.

• Focus on getting medical help rather than playing amateur herpetologist.

4. Don’t Drink Alcohol or Take Painkillers

When disaster strikes, many people reach for liquid courage or over-the-counter painkillers to numb the pain. Resist the urge.

Why It’s a Bad Idea:

• Alcohol dilates blood vessels, potentially speeding up venom absorption.

• Painkillers like aspirin or ibuprofen thin the blood, which can exacerbate bleeding and worsen tissue damage.

• Your body’s already under stress; adding intoxicants into the mix is like throwing gasoline on a fire.

What You SHOULD Do Instead:

• Hydrate with water if needed, but keep it minimal to avoid unnecessary movement.

• Rely on professional pain management at a medical facility.

5. Don’t Apply Ice or Heat

Applying ice might feel like the logical way to soothe swelling, but it’s a rookie move. Similarly, heat won’t “neutralize” venom—you’re not cooking dinner.

Why It’s a Bad Idea:

• Ice can restrict blood flow and worsen tissue damage around the bite site.

• Heat has no proven benefits and can aggravate the injury.

• Both methods waste precious time that could be spent seeking medical care.

What You SHOULD Do Instead:

• Leave the bite site alone. Don’t mess with it.

• Seek medical help immediately. Time is of the essence with venomous bites.

What You SHOULD Do After a Snake Bite

Now that you know what NOT to do, here’s a quick checklist of what you SHOULD do:

1. Stay Calm: Panic increases heart rate, which speeds venom circulation.

2. Immobilize the Limb: Use a splint or sling to minimize movement.

3. Call Emergency Services: Immediate medical attention is critical.

4. Keep the Limb Below Heart Level: This slows venom spread.

5. Remove Tight Clothing or Jewelry: Swelling is likely, so prevent constriction.

6. Monitor Symptoms: Note swelling, pain, or neurological effects to share with medical staff.

FAQs About Snake Bites

Q: How do I know if a snake bite is venomous? A: Venomous bites often show two distinct fang marks, accompanied by swelling, intense pain, and sometimes systemic symptoms like dizziness or difficulty breathing. Non-venomous bites usually leave a horseshoe-shaped mark with no severe symptoms.

Q: How fast do symptoms appear after a venomous bite? A: Symptoms can appear within minutes but may take several hours depending on the snake and amount of venom injected.

Q: Should I bring the dead snake to the hospital? A: No, it’s unnecessary and potentially dangerous. A description of the snake is sufficient, and many hospitals use polyvalent antivenoms that cover multiple snake species.

Q: Can you survive a venomous snake bite without treatment? A: While survival is possible, untreated bites can lead to severe tissue damage, organ failure, or death. Medical intervention significantly improves outcomes.

Q: Are all snake bites emergencies? A: Not all snake bites are venomous, but every bite should be evaluated by a medical professional to rule out envenomation or secondary infection.

Conclusion

Snake bites are a high-stakes situation that require swift, informed action. By avoiding common myths (and staying far away from Hollywood dramatics), you can improve your odds of a full recovery. Remember, when in doubt, your best move is to immobilize the limb and seek professional medical help immediately. Leave the snake charming to the professionals—and the venom removal to the antivenom experts.If you liked this, you'll love these:

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