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Snakebites: First aid
By Mayo Clinic staffMayo Clinic Health Manager
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Most North American snakes aren't poisonous. Some exceptions include the rattlesnake, coral snake, water moccasin and copperhead.
Excepting the coral snake, these poisonous snakes have slit-like eyes. Their heads are triangular, with a depression, or pit, midway between the eyes and nostrils.
Other characteristics are unique to certain poisonous snakes:
- Rattlesnakes make a rattling sound by shaking the rings at the end of their tail.
- Water moccasins have a white, cottony lining in their mouth.
- Coral snakes have red, yellow and black rings along the length of their body.
To reduce your risk of a snakebite, avoid picking up or playing with any snake. Most snakes usually avoid people if possible and bite only when threatened or surprised.
If you've experienced a snakebite:
- Remain calm
- Don't try to capture the snake
- Immobilize the bitten arm or leg and try to stay as quiet as possible
- Remove jewelry, because swelling tends to progress rapidly
- Apply a loose splint to reduce movement of the affected area, but make sure it is loose enough that it won't restrict blood flow
- Don't use a tourniquet or apply ice
- Don't cut the wound or attempt to remove the venom
Seek medical attention as soon as possible, especially if the bitten area changes color, begins to swell or is painful.
