The fear of being bitten is a common fear associated with many different animals and reptiles, not just snakes. In this post, I will go over what you should do if you are ever bitten by a snake, both venomous and non-venomous.
Bites from a non-venomous snake
Even though the snake is non-venomous, quick and serious action should still be taken, just without the rush to the hospital. Here are the steps for if your pet snake bites you, or if you get a “dry bite” (known-venomous bite) from a wild snake.
- Wash the bite wound thoroughly with soap and water. Be sure to flush out the wound with water to clear out bacteria.
- Apply pressure to the wound with a clean cloth to stop bleeding.
- Call your doctor to see if any follow-up care is needed to prevent an infection.
Bites from a venomous snake
These bites should be treated seriously, quickly, and most importantly, calmly. One thing I would like to note is some things you should never do when you or someone you know has been bitten. NEVER suck out the venom, and DO NOT wash the wound! Washing the wound will make it immensely more difficult for the nurses and doctors to be able to identify what kind of snake bit you, and what necessary treatment will have to be made. Here are a few tips when dealing with a nasty snake bite.
- Keep the bitten person still and calm. This can slow down the spread of venom.
- Seek medical attention as soon as possible.
- Dial 911 or call local Emergency Medical Services.
And here is a great video explaining the step-by-step process of it all.
Snake Stuff 