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Prevention and Treatment of Venomous Snake Bites

A venomous snake in front of you is going to be one of the most terrifying experiences you ever have in your life even if you are the most experienced trekker.

According to a statistic, about 8,000 people get bitten by venomous snakes every year; and the number of unreported bites is expected to be much higher. While this figure seems quite bigger, very few deaths occur as a result of these bites. As a matter of fact, only 5 people die due to these bites every year.

However, it doesn’t mean that you can be complacent around snakes. They can deliver the damaging bites. While death may be unlikely due to a venomous bite, certain things like blurred vision, breathing difficulty and temporary paralysis can happen. While avoiding snakebite is really important and it should be your top concern, you need to have important supplies in your emergency preparedness kit to deal with the situation in case you get bitten by a snake.

Identifying snakes

Identifying a venomous snake is one of the most important things to consider when it comes to prevention of the venomous snake bites. In North America, there are sour main types of venomous snakes, each with its own specific marking. Moreover, each of the species comes with its specific behavior which you are going to need to learn about in order to avoid getting bitten.

Coral snake

Among all of the deadly snakes, coral is the most identifiable one. The colors that make a pattern on the body of this snake include black, red and yellow. This snake is found in forested areas and it tends to hide under the leaves. Generally, this snake shows reclusive behavior, i.e. it retreats until it is provoked.

Rattlesnake

Rattlesnake is one of the most famous, or infamous, snakes. The feature that makes this snake identifiable is the rattle on its tail. This rattle can be both seen and heard. The body of this snake is thicker and head of this snake is diamond-shaped.

Baby rattlesnakes do not have the rattle on their tails but they are equally venomous. Moreover, an adult rattlesnake may also lose its rattle. It means that you are going to have to learn more about these snakes to fully identify them.

Cottonmouth

Cottonmouth is the semi-aquatic venomous snake which can be found in the damp areas like swamp or in and around the water. This snake can also be found on the rocks in the daytime. This snake is identifiable with the dark cross bands with light brown shading.

Copperhead

This snake is known for its predatory ambush attack. It hides under the rocks or leaves until it sees its prey passing by. Although the venom of these snakes is not quite potent, they are known to attack humans.

These snakes are identified by chestnut-brown cross bands on their bodies. The skin color on, except for the bands, is lighter.

Preventing snakebite

Being able to identify venomous snakes is the first thing that you have to ensure but it’s not everything yet. There are other things that you are going to have to consider.

Check under the logs, rocks and leaf piles
Make sure that you are using only the beaten path
Do not walk into the areas with long-grown grass
Considering using snake proof clothing which may include boots, chaps and gaiters
Give the snake a wide berth and don’t bother
Do not try to move the snake upon seeing it

Things to do after getting bitten

Getting bitten by a venomous snake is a serious matter even if it unlikely results in a death. There are a number of health conditions which can occur if appropriate measures are not taken after snakebite. There are a few things that you can do in case you get bitten by a venomous snake.

After getting bitten by a snake, shock and pain are the two natural responses that you are going to show. However, it is quite important to stay calm and think logically to get out of the situation. Panic can elevate the heart rate which can cause quicker spreading of the venom.
If you have got the cell phone and you are in the area with network coverage, call emergency services.
In most of the cases, snakes strike twice. The first bite is like a warning and it doesn’t have much of any venom. This is the reason that it is quite important to avoid the second bite.
Make sure that the wound is not above the heart level. And do not take any painkillers.

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