Basic First Aid On The Trail: Snake Bites
How To Treat & Deal With Snake Bites On The Trail
Depending on your specific location, venomous snakes will vary in species , toxicity and population. Keeping yourself aware of local threats is very important to limiting your likelihood of becoming a target. Pay attention to environmental factors such as temperature and where you may be more likely to find a snake in your locale. As always be prepared for an encounter and know how to properly deal with it to minimize their impact. Before you set out, know where the nearest hospital is and how you can describe the way they can get to your location.
Very common types of snakes, threat level and local region:
Diamondback- North America- highly venomous, <1 hour kill time.
Viper- Global minus Australia- venemous, internal bleeding risk.
Cobra- S Asia & S Africa- highly venomous, paralysis risk.
European Adder- Europe & Asia- venomous, internal bleeding risk.
Cottonmouth- Southeast United States- highly venomous, blood clotting risk.
Preventing Snake Bites Before They Happen
In order to prevent, you must first understand. Do research on specific areas you plan on being in and what types of threats are located there. Look up these threats and know what areas to avoid or where you would likely find one. After this, you need to know where the nearest hospital is, how to contact them and finally be able to describe how to get to your location. This may seem like a lot of prep but in a life threatening situation, it is more than worth it.
Lastly, if you are in a high threat environment you need to carry the right tools. A snake bite kit and training on how to use said kit is important. Carry with you gauze and basic med supplies to be able to wrap the bite location and padding around the area.
Treating Snake Bites Before They Become Worse
After someone you are with has been bitten the first step is to try and identify the snake. This may make the treatment process easier for the professionals you will eventually seek medical attention from. Step two, make sure the bite victim is calm and laying down relaxed. It is important to keep the bit area at a lower level than the heart. At this point is also key to keep in mind that a bite doesn’t simply mean venom has been injected. Also, many snakes only inject a low amount. The third step is to completely immobilize the bite area while simultaneously applying a moderate compression or amount of pressure to the bite. Doing so may facilitate the slow spread of venom throughout the body. After the first three steps are complete you now need to find help and professional medical attention.
Keep as calm as possible, do not let the victim go into a panic. Limiting the heart rate of the victim will facilitate the restriction of the venom. A rapid heart rate will quickly make the venom spread and cause more damage. The person seeking help should also have a clear frame of mind and remain in a rational state to help as much as possible.
In The End
In the end, being prepared & knowing what to do may very well keep you and those around you alive. Do your research prior to leaving the house and also attain training. Having the right tools, knowing how to use them and when you need to find a medical professional will also be key in the treatment and healing of the bite victim. Remember to stay clam, always keep in mind not to panic. Be safe and smart out on the trails.
