Venomous Snake Bites: Symptoms & First Aid

Well, hello there, folks; today we’re going to talk about a topic that can send chills down your spine – snake bites. Did you know that according to the World Health Organization, up to 5.4 million people are bitten by snakes each year with potentially deadly venom? And that’s not all, up to 138,000 people die each year due to snake bites. It’s important to know what to do if you find yourself or someone else in this situation. That’s why we’re going to dive into the symptoms of venomous snake bites and how to properly administer first aid. So, let’s get started!

If a venomous snake bites you, call 911 or your local emergency number immediately, especially if the bitten area changes color, begins to swell or is painful. Many emergency rooms stock antivenom drugs, which may help you.

Symptoms of Snake Bites

Signs or symptoms of a snake bite may vary depending on the type of snake, but there are some common symptoms that are important to look out for.

Puncture Marks at the Wound: One of the most obvious signs is puncture marks at the wound.
Redness, swelling, bruising, bleeding, or blistering around the bite are also common symptoms.
Severe pain and tenderness at the site of the bite can also be expected.

Other symptoms include:

nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
labored breathing (in extreme cases, breathing may stop altogether)
rapid heart rate
weak pulse
low blood pressure, and disturbed vision.
Some people may also experience:
a metallic, mint, or
a rubber taste in their mouth
increased salivation and sweating
numbness or tingling around the face and/or limbs, and
muscle twitching.

First Aid for Snake Bites

If you are bitten by a snake, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Antivenom is the treatment for serious snake envenomation, and the sooner antivenom can be started, the sooner irreversible damage from venom can be stopped. Do not attempt to drive yourself to the hospital, as people with snakebites can become dizzy or pass out.

Here are some steps you should take while waiting for EMS staff or emergency personnel to get you to the hospital:

Remain calm, this will help slow the spread of venom.
Inform your supervisor.
Apply first aid while waiting for EMS staff to arrive.
Lay or sit down with the bite in a neutral position of comfort.
Remove rings and watches before swelling starts.
Wash the bite with soap and water.
Cover the bite with a clean, dry dressing.
Mark the leading edge of tenderness/swelling on the skin and write the time alongside it.
Move beyond the snake’s striking distance.
Remove jewelry and tight clothing before you start to swell.”

If possible, try to keep the affected area immobilized and at or below the level of your heart. This can help slow the spread of venom throughout your body. However, if you need to move to get help, do so slowly and carefully to avoid making the venom spread faster.

It is important not to do any of the following:

Do not pick up the snake or try to trap it. NEVER handle a venomous snake, not even a dead one or its decapitated head.
Do not wait for symptoms to appear if bitten, get medical help right away.
Do not apply a tourniquet.
Do not slash the wound with a knife or cut it in any way.
Do not try to suck out the venom.
Do not apply ice or immerse the wound in water.
Do not drink alcohol as a painkiller.
Do not take pain relievers (such as aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen).
Do not apply electric shock or folk therapies.

If you have a smartphone with you and it won’t delay your getting help, take a picture of the snake from a safe distance to help with identification. This can be helpful for medical professionals when determining the appropriate treatment.

Remember that snake bites can be a serious medical emergency, and it’s important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Don’t wait for symptoms to appear before seeking help, as this can delay treatment and lead to more serious complications. Follow the appropriate first aid procedures and get to a hospital or other medical facility as soon as possible.

Also, it’s important to be aware of your surroundings and avoid areas where snakes are known to live. This is especially important if you live in an area where venomous snakes are common. Take precautions such as wearing protective clothing, such as boots and long pants, when hiking or working outdoors. When camping, make sure to keep your tent zipped up to prevent snakes from entering.

It’s also important to keep your pets safe from snakes. Dogs are particularly at risk of being bitten by snakes, especially if they are curious or aggressive. Keep your dog on a leash when hiking or walking in areas where snakes are present, and avoid letting them sniff around in areas where snakes may be hiding. You can also train your dog to avoid snakes by using scent training or other methods.

In addition to taking precautions to avoid snake bites, it’s important to be prepared in case of an emergency. If you are going to be spending time in an area where venomous snakes are present, make sure to bring a first aid kit and know how to use it.

Snakes are an important part of our ecosystem, and most snakes are not dangerous to humans. However, it’s important to be aware of the potential dangers posed by venomous snakes and to take steps to avoid being bitten. If you are bitten by a snake, seek medical attention immediately and follow the appropriate first aid procedures. With the right treatment, most people recover from snake bites without any lasting effects. Most snakes aren’t dangerous to humans, and only about 15% worldwide and 20% in the United States are venomous. In North America, these include the rattlesnake, coral snake, water moccasin, and copperhead. Their bites can cause severe injuries and sometimes death.

Types of Venomous Snakes

Venomous snakes are a group of snakes that possess specialized glands that produce venom. This venom is typically used for hunting, defense, and digestion. Venomous snakes are found in all parts of the world, except for Antarctica, and are responsible for thousands of human fatalities each year.

Venomous snakes are classified into four families, namely Atractaspididae, Colubridae, Elapidae, and Viperidae.

Atractaspididae or atractaspidids are purple-glossed snakes, centipede eaters, burrowing asps, Revoil’s short snake, Chilorhinophis, Hypoptophis, Homoroselaps, Macrelaps, Micrelaps, and more.

Colubridae or colubrids is the largest snake family, with most species being nonvenomous. However, some colubrids have potent venom, and at least five species, including the boomslang, have caused human fatalities.

The Viperidae family includes some of the most dangerous snakes in the world. These snakes have potent venom that can cause severe damage to the circulatory system and other organs. It is important to be aware of the different types of venomous snakes in your area and to take precautions to avoid being bitten. Viperidae is a family of venomous snakes that includes true vipers, pit vipers, rattlesnakes, copperheads, and cottonmouths. Viper venom is primarily hemotoxic, which means it attacks the circulatory system, causing tissue damage and bleeding. Viperidae is responsible for most snakebite fatalities worldwide. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most well-known members of this family.

Elapidae is a family of venomous snakes that includes sea snakes, taipans, brown snakes, coral snakes, kraits, death adders, tiger snakes, mambas, king cobras, cobras, and more. This family of venomous snakes is found in many parts of the world, including Australia, Africa, Asia, and the Americas. Elapid venom is primarily neurotoxic, affecting the nervous system, and can cause respiratory paralysis and death within hours of a bite.

True Vipers – The true vipers (subfamily Viperinae) are found in Europe, Asia, and Africa. They have long, hinged fangs that fold against the roof of the mouth when not in use. True viper venom is primarily hemotoxic and can cause severe swelling, pain, and tissue damage. The most well-known species of true vipers is the common adder, which is found throughout much of Europe and Asia.

Pit Vipers – Pit vipers (subfamily Crotalinae) are found in North and South America, Asia, and Africa. They have heat-sensing pits on either side of their heads, which they use to locate prey. Pit viper venom is primarily hemotoxic, but also contains neurotoxins that can cause paralysis. Some of the most well-known pit vipers include rattlesnakes, copperheads, and cottonmouths.

Rattlesnakes – Rattlesnakes are a type of pit viper found in North and South America. They are named for the rattle on the end of their tail, which they use to warn potential predators. Rattlesnake venom is primarily hemotoxic and can cause severe swelling, pain, and tissue damage. The most well-known species of rattlesnake is the western diamondback rattlesnake, which is found throughout much of the southwestern United States and Mexico.

Copperheads – Copperheads are a type of pit viper found in eastern North America. They are named for their copper-colored heads. Copperhead venom is primarily hemotoxic and can cause severe swelling, pain, and tissue damage. Although copperheads are generally not aggressive, they will bite if threatened or provoked.

Cottonmouths – also known as water moccasins, are a type of venomous snake that is often found in or around water. They live in wetland areas, rivers, lakes, etc., in the southeastern states. Adult cottonmouth snakes average 50–55 inches long, and their skin is dark tan, brown, or nearly black, with vague black or dark brown cross-bands. Juveniles have a bold cross-banded pattern of brown or orange with a yellow tail.

Bushmasters – Bushmasters are a type of pit viper found in Central and South America. They are the largest venomous snakes in the western hemisphere, with some species reaching over 10 feet in length. Bushmaster venom is primarily hemotoxic and can cause severe swelling, pain, and tissue damage. They are generally shy and avoid human contact, but their large size and potent venom make them very dangerous.

Coral snakes – coral snakes are venomous snakes that are sometimes confused with nonvenomous king snakes, which have similar colored bands, but arranged differently. Coral snakes tend to hide in leaf piles or burrow into the ground. They are found in wooded, sandy, or marshy areas of the Southern United States.

Gaboon Vipers – Gaboon vipers are a type of true viper found in central and western Africa. They have the longest fangs of any snake, reaching up to 2 inches in length. Gaboon viper venom is primarily hemotoxic and can cause severe swelling, pain, and tissue damage. They are well-camouflaged and rely on their ambush hunting technique to catch prey.

Russell’s Vipers – Russell’s vipers are a type of pit viper found in Asia. They are responsible for more human deaths than any other snake in Asia. Russell’s viper venom is primarily hemotoxic and can cause severe swelling, pain, and tissue damage. They are known for their aggressive behavior and will attack humans if provoked.

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