How to Treat a Snake Bite in the Woods

The most important thing to remember if you’ve been bitten by a snake is not to panic. The increased blood flow you receive to your heart and organs when you are upset will only cause the venom to spread faster. Stay as calm as possible, slow your breathing and rest assured that you know what you need to do to help yourself. Here are the steps to saving yourself from a poisonous snake bite.

Instructions

• 1

  Keep the wound area cool with ice, cold water or snow, if possible. This will help to slow the circulation.

• 2

  Tie a band of some sort very tightly about 6 inches above the wound. This will also help to slow circulation. You don’t have to tie it so tight that it completely cuts off your circulation, just enough to slow it.

• 3

  Sterilize a very sharp instrument or blade using alcohol or fire.

• 4

  Cut across the fang marks about 1/4-inch deep into the skin.

• 5

  Use suction on this area for about an hour. If you have suction cups, they are preferable than using your mouth, but use your mouth if you must. You will just need to sterilize the wound as soon as possible, since you run the risk of infection.