How to Treat a Snakebite

The vast majority of snakebites in the United States are from nonpoisonous snakes.

Things You'll Need

• Bandages
• Tetanus Shots

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Instructions

Treating a Poisonous Bite

• 1

  Determine if the snake may be poisonous. Most poisonous snakes in the United States have certain physical characteristics: a triangular-shaped head, slit-like eyes and an indentation between the nose and eyes.

• 2

  Seek medical help immediately if you know or even suspect a snake may be poisonous.

• 3

  Stay calm and lie as quietly as possible if medical care is on the way.

• 4

  Use a commercial snakebite kit if medical help is more than 30 minutes away.

• 5

  Try to keep your body warm.

• 6

  Keep the area that was bitten below the level of your heart.

• 7

  Wrap a bandage snugly several inches above (not on) the bite if it's on an arm or leg.

• 8

  Keep the wounded area immobile and use a splint if possible.

Treating a Nonpoisonous Bite

• 9

  Wash the area of the bite with soap and water and rinse well.

• 10

  Allow the bleeding to stop by itself unless it is severe.

• 11

  Get a tetanus shot if you have not had one in five or more years, or if your primary vaccine series is incomplete.

• 12

  Watch for increasing redness and swelling, red streaks on the skin, puss, fever or increasing warmth around the wound; these are all signs of a possible infection.