Imagine hiking through the woods and suddenly feeling a sharp pain in one of your lower legs. You look down to see a snake slithering away and realize that you have just been bitten. Do you know what to do?
Being bitten by a snake is a rare occurrence but out in the wilderness where anything is possible, it could happen. The good news is that snake bites are rarely fatal. According to Backpacker Magazine, out of the roughly 8,000 snake bites that take place in the U.S. every year, only five to eight of them actually cause death.
When a Snake Bites
When a snake attacks a human, it can be a terrifying experience. Ironically, the best thing to do in the case of a snake bike is to remain calm and seek medical attention as soon as possible. Even though your body will be reacting to the shock of the bite with adrenaline, the more physically actively you are, the faster the venom will spread throughout your body.
Do everything you can to stay calm and try not to sit down. Try to keep the bite at the level of your heart or below. Remove any jewelry or tight clothing before the affected area starts to swell as it will be more difficult to remove later. You can also clean the area around the wound and cover it with a dry, clean bandage.
In the wilderness, there is the chance you could be hours or days away from treatment. In that event, it is important to immobilize the extremely with a splint before hiking back to the car or trailhead. The injured person will have to hike out on his or her own if the others cannot carry them.
Common symptoms that accompany snake bites include pain and swelling at the site, burning sensations, fever, blurry vision, dizziness, numbness, and weakness. Be sure to watch for more serious signs that the body is going into shock include clammy skin, shallow breathing, and heavy sweating.
Snake Bite Myths
There are many common myths about what to do in case of a snake bite. Many people believe that they can suck the poison out of a snake bite wound. This is hardly effective and can do more harm than good. The person with the wound could end up with a critical infection. It is never a good idea to apply a tourniquet or ice either. Moreover, do not try to catch and kill the snake. It might be a good idea to remember what the snake looked like, though, in order to get the right treatment.
Avoiding Snake Bites
There are some steps you can take to minimize your risk of snake bite. You can:
- Keep a close eye on where you are placing your feet.
- Wear protective clothing including long pants and heavy boots.
- Don’t approach snakes or bother them.
- Keep an eye out for snakes, especially in tall grass or even in trees.