When Bitten by a Venomous Snake: What Not to Do

The instinct to protect yourself and catch the offending snake is understandable after a venomous snake bite. However, several important reasons exist why you should not attempt to kill or capture the snake. This article explores the key points that explain why avoiding these actions can be crucial for your health and safety.

1. Do Not Kill the Snake

First and foremost, attempting to kill the snake can waste precious time that might otherwise be spent seeking medical help. This delay in treatment can be detrimental, especially as the venom continues to spread through your body. While positive identification can be beneficial, the time required to kill and capture the snake often outweighs the potential advantage.

Killing the snake requires effort and movement, actions that should be avoided as they can aid in the spread of venom. You should instead apply a compression bandage to the bite site and remain as still as possible. This will help prevent the venom from spreading quickly through your system.

In some cases, the person bitten may be trying to kill the snake, leading to repeated bites or additional risk. If someone else must kill the snake, it could result in multiple victims. Moreover, if the snake is only stunned and not dead, it could regain consciousness within the hospital and pose a danger to healthcare professionals. It is crucial to avoid these actions for your safety and the safety of others.

2. Avoid Providing the Snake to the Hospital

It is unnecessary to bring the snake to the hospital for identification purposes. Modern antivenoms are designed to neutralize a wide range of venom types, eliminating the need for precise identification. The symptoms of the venom will typically indicate the appropriate antivenom to be used, and the doctors will act accordingly based on the developing symptoms. Attempting to kill or bring the snake introduces risks that can complicate your treatment.

Additionally, snakes are typically not aggressive unless they feel threatened. They will only bite to defend themselves or in the rare case of finding food. If you manage to take a photo or accurately identify the snake, it can still be helpful for medical professionals to understand the potential risks. However, killing the snake achieves nothing beneficial and only adds unnecessary risk.

3. The Case of Coral Snakes

In the United States, if you are bitten by a venomous snake that is not a coral snake, the antivenom used will be the same. Coral snakes have a different type of neurotoxic venom and require a distinct antivenom. However, this is a rare exception to the general rule, as the doctors in many areas are prepared for the more common rattlesnake bites.

One case of a person needing to retrieve a snake involved rescuing a rattlesnake that unfortunately bit the rescuer, likely in self-defense. In such situations, there is no need for the victim to bring the snake to the hospital for identification, as doctors in the region are typically familiar with the local species. The importance of this fact cannot be overstated for individuals who may find themselves in similar circumstances.

Let this information guide you in the face of a venomous snake bite, and remember to stay calm and follow these recommendations for your best chance at a safe and effective recovery. By avoiding unnecessary actions and focusing on medical care, you can help ensure the best possible outcome.