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Snakebites

Although some 50,000 people worldwide die from snake bites each year, very few of these deaths occur in the United States. No one died in 1990, only one in 1991, and just one in 1992. Statistically, Arizona is the most likely state in which to die from snakebite, with Florida, Georgia, Texas, and Alabama in the top five.

Venomous snakes bite their victims with two fangs that are hinged to swing downward at an angle of 90° to the snake's upper jaw. They can open their mouths amazingly wide, allowing venom to be injected into the victim through grooves along the fangs. The amount and toxicity of venom determine the danger to the victim. For example, venom from the Mojave Rattlesnake is approximately 44 times more potent than venom from a Copperhead; and venom from baby rattlesnakes may be 12 times more potent than the venom from adults.

First Aid for Snakebites

Not all venomous snake bites result in the injection of venom. However, the mouth of a snake is very unsanitary, from eating small animals, and infection, with the possibility of gangrene, is an ever present danger. The injection of venom is called envenomation.

Mild envenomations hurt, swell, turn black and blue, and may a blister at the bite.
Moderate envenomations result in swelling that moves up the arm or leg towards the heart, with numbness and swelling of the lymph nodes.
Severe envenomations result in large jumps in pulse and breathing rates, with profound swelling, blurred vision, headache, lightheadedness, sweating, chills, and possibly death.

Because all snake bites are dangerous, the victim needs to seek medical help immediately. The degree of danger depends on the age, size, and health of the victim, how allergic they are to the venom, where they were bitten (near vital organs being the most dangerous), how deep the fangs go, how upset the snake is, the species and size of snake, and the first aid given. A person will normally know within the first 30 minutes, how serious a bite is. Remember that the after effects from any snake bite may last for months, even years.

The First-Aid guidelines below are for bites from all poisonous snakes in the United States, including rattlesnakes, copperheads and water moccasins.

Calm and reassure the victim, treat for shock, and keep them at rest with the bitten area immobilized and placed lower than the heart.
Remove rings, watches, and anything else that might reduce circulation if swelling occurs. Wash the wound, and monitor swelling.
Transport the victim to a doctor as soon as possible by carrying them, or, if the victim is stable, by walking very slowly.
Do NOT cut the wound and Do NOT try to suck the venom out by mouth. Mechanical suction for 30 minutes with a reverse syringe (e.g., Sawyer Extractor) helps if you begin suction within five minutes after the bite occurs.
Do NOT give painkillers, such as aspirin, tylenol or advil.
Do NOT apply ice, or immerse the wound in cold water.
Do NOT apply a tourniquet.
Do NOT give alcohol to the victim to drink.
Do NOT electrically shock the victim.

Avoiding Venomous snakes

Following these precautions if traveling in snake country.

Learn to identify venomous snakes. Even newborn rattlesnakes have a rattle segment called a "button" at the end of their tails (never a pointed tail), and adults may have several rattles. Venomous snakes also have flat and broad, or triangular-shaped heads. The pupils (black portion) of a snake's eyes are cat-like or elliptical, whereas non-venomous snakes have round pupils.
Be careful where you put your hands and feet, and watch where you sit and step. Most snakes are inactive and hide for protection. Because a motionless snake in its natural habitat is almost impossible to see, do not put your hands or feet in or on places where you cannot see. Also, do not depend on a rattlesnake to rattle before it strikes, as most rattlesnakes do not rattle unless frightened or endangered. Some rattlesnakes may not rattle at all.
Do not jump or step over logs, rocks, or shrubs. Walk around these obstacles instead. Also, be careful when turning over logs, rocks, or other large objects, as a snake may be resting underneath or looking for food. When hiking, watch where you step, stay on paths or in clearings, and avoid tall grassy areas with heavy underbrush. Look closely at the ground before crossing over or under fences.
Stay at least a body length away from any snake you encounter, until you are certain it is not a venomous snake. Although venomous snake normally strike only 1/2 their body length, they can strike farther if they are facing downhill. Most venomous snake are not aggressive, but they may come towards you inadvertantly when seeking escape cover. Remember they can't see you as well as you can see them, give them plenty of room to escape.
Wear loose-fitting clothes and leather boots when outdoors. Leather boots provide protection for the feet and ankles. Low-cut shoes or sandals should never be worn in an area known for venomous snakes, especially at night. Venomous snake fangs can penetrate clothing, and loose-fitting clothes are better than tight styles.

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