Snakebite emergency: How to provide care when someone gets bit

Living in North Texas sometimes means sharing space with a variety of critters and varmints, including the kind that slither. We’ll help you hone your reptile radar so you can protect your family and pets from getting a snakebite, as well as know what to do if one can’t be avoided. Here’s how to be prepared in a snakebite emergency.

Venomous snakebites require full-service emergency care

It's important to go to a full-service ER as soon as possible after a snakebite. Bites can produce an array of symptoms, including pain and swelling, nausea, convulsions and even paralysis. Quick treatment is essential for the best outcome. Poison Control suggests calling the Texas Poison Center Network at (800) 222-1222 for instructions and first-aid advice before heading straight to the nearest hospital or full-service emergency room. You can also call 911.

Symptoms of venomous snakebites

While it’s never a good idea to wait and see if someone’s going to have a reaction to a snakebite before seeking emergency care, it’s smart to learn the signs and symptoms. Also, keep in mind that different people react differently to snake venom, depending on a host of factors including age, size, health status and more.

Here are a few of the common signs that a snakebite may have been venomous, provided by Texas Health and Human Services (THHS):

• Fang marks
• Pain/swelling/numbness/tingling/skin discoloration in the bite area
• Blurred vision, dizziness, excessive sweating, fainting, nausea, vomiting

Top tips for snakebite prevention

Snakes prefer to be left alone and are generally not aggressive unless cornered or threatened. If you keep your distance, they will typically do the same.

THHS offers this additional advice for preventing snakebites:

• Even if you don't think a snake is venomous, don't attempt to handle or play with it unless you have the proper training
  • Never intentionally disturb wildlife
• Snakes like enclosed spaces and tend to hide under objects such as rocks, brush and debris
  • Keep landscaping and campsites manicured
  • Snakes will not remain where food, water and shelter are unavailable, so keeping areas free of these may reduce the chance you’ll cross paths
• Wear appropriate clothing, including long pants and boots, in areas where snakes may inhabit
• Don't place your hands, fingers or feet where you can’t see them; Watch your step

Never try to suck the venom from a snakebite and other tips

Follow these tips if someone is bitten by a snake:

DO:

• Move yourself and the victim safely away from the snake
• Stay calm and keep the victim calm
• Remove jewelry and constricting clothing quickly, before any swelling begins
• Position the affected limb so that it’s level with the heart (not above or below)
• Wash the bite wound gently with soap and water, if available
• Help the victim avoid any unnecessary movement of the limb or exertion by bringing transport to them, if possible
• Seek medical attention immediately by calling 911 or, if faster, driving to the nearest hospital or full-service ER
  • If you can call ahead, medical personnel may have antivenin ready to administer when you arrive
• Call Poison Control for more information or first-aid advice

Trying to treat a snakebite on your own can cause further damage and lead to greater opportunity for infection.

DON’T:

• Try to cut or suck the venom from a bite wound
• Apply a tourniquet, ice, cold packs or electrical shocks
• Give the victim pain relievers or other medications unless instructed to do so by a physician
• Offer alcohol
• Attempt to catch the snake or bring it to the ER; snakebites are treated based on local and systemic symptoms
• Administer antivenin in the field
• Try other home remedies or something you saw online!

Medical City Healthcare provides comprehensive emergency services across North Texas.

At Medical City Healthcare, we're dedicated to the care and improvement of human life. So, we hope you'll Take Care!

For more information, call our Ask a Nurse hotline 24/7 or use Find a Doctor online.

You can also get care for minor injuries or illness at one of the many DFW CareNow® Urgent Care locations, with convenient Web Check-In® so you can wait in the comfort of your home.