Snake Attack

Because poisonous snakes can be difficult to identify and because some
nonpoisonous snake have marking very similar to venomous ones, the
best way to avoid getting bitten is to leave all snakes alone. Assume that
a snake is venomous unless you know for certain that it is not.
How To Treat A Bite

1. Wash the bite with soap and water as soon as you can.

2. Immobilize the bitten area an keep it lower than the heart.
This will slow the flow of the venom.

3. Get medical help as soon as possible.
A doctor should treat all snakes bite unless you are willing to bet your life
that the offending snakes is nonpoisonous. Of about eight thousand venomous
bites a year in the U.S., nine to fifteen victims are killed. A bite from any type
of poisonous snake should always be considered a medical emergency. Even
bites from nonpoisonous snakes should be treated professionally, as severe
allergic reaction can occur. Some Mojave rattlesnakes carry a neurotoxic
venom that can effect the brain or spinal cord,causing paralysis.

4. Immediately wrap a bandage tightly two or four inches above the bite to help slow the venom if you are unable to reach medical care within 30 minutes.
The bandage should not cut off blood flow from a vein or artery. Make the bandage loose enough for a finger to slip underneath.

5. If you are a first aid equipped with a suction device, follow the instruction for helping to draw venom out of the wound without making an incision.
Generally , you will need to place the rubber suction cup over the wound and attempt to draw the venom out from the bites.


What Not To Do

• Do not place any ice or cooling element on the bites, this will make removing the venom with suction more difficult.
• Do not tie bandage or a tourniquet too tightly.If used incorrectly, a tourniquet can cut blood flow completely and damage the limb.
• Do not make any incision on or around the wound in an attempt to remove the venom,there is danger of infection.
• Do not attempt to suck out the venom. You do not want it in your mouth,where it might enter your bloodstream.

How To Avoid An Attack

• Do not try get closer look, prod the snake to make it move. or try kill it.
• If you come across a snake. back away slowly and give it a wide berth, snakes can easily strike half their body length in an instant,and some species are six feet or longer.
• When hiking in an area with poisonous snakes,always wear thick leather boots and long pants.
• Keep to marked trails.
• Snakes are clod blooded and need the sun to help regulate their body temperature.They are often found lying on warm rocks or in other sunny places.