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No topic in wilderness medicine is so laden with folklore remedies as the snakebite. Incision, suck-and-spit, mechanical suction devices, ice-water immersion, tourniquets… The truth is, none of those methods have been proven to work. Even worse, they waste precious time. The only real cure for a venomous bite is the appropriate antivenom from a medical facility.
The best steps to take if you’re bitten by a rattlesnake or coral snake, two of North America’s most common venomous snakes:
- Retreat out of striking range of the snake, which is at least its body length.
- Look for distinguishing traits that might help identify the species, like a rattle or facial pits, slight depressions between the eyes and nostrils that help detect infrared heat. If you have a digital camera or camera phone, consider taking a photo, ensuring you maintain a safe distance.
- Splint the bitten body part to limit unnecessary motion that might promote the spread of venom, making sure to allow room for swelling within the splint.
- Transport the victim to the nearest hospital immediately.
