First Aid for Snake Bite: The Dos and Don’t
First aid for snake bite is the emergency response procedure administered to people who’ve been attacked by reptiles.

Though reptile bites are dangerous and venomous, one is very unlikely to die of a snake bite in the US. Of all 45,000 bites every year, only a handful (5 to 6) lead to deaths.

Most bites occur when a victim tries to interact with the snake. According to studies, males (20 to 40 years old) are the major casualties, and these attacks happen after reckless behavior triggered by alcohol consumption.

Still, snake bites are threatening and require a swift response. This is because most snakes are venomous and a single encounter can be harmful if immediate action is not taken.

But besides being dangerous, snake bites are also one of the most controversial animal attacks, plagued by rumors from multiple sources. In particular, there’s lots of misinformation concerning first aid for snake bite and some are supported and encouraged by multiple sources.

A complete first aid course should cover environmental emergencies. Under this sub-topic, first-aiders should learn more about treating extreme heat and coldness, attending to bites/stings from insects, and remedying attacks from other animals, snakes included.

Myths about First Aid for Snake Bite

You’ve almost certainly heard most of these rumors concerning first aid for snake bite. They come up in most conversations about snakes, but medical facts have so far discredited them as untrue/incorrect.

To treat a snakebite effectively, it’s important to avoid some of these misleading interventions. In the worst cases, the following rumors can lead to serious hazards.

  1. You can treat it a snake bite with an electric shock
  2. Use a tourniquet to prevent the spread of venom
  3. You can remedy the bite by cutting it and sucking out the venom
  4. Cauterizing a snake bite helps you get rid of all the toxins
  5. Applying alcohol can remedy a snake bite

First aid procedure for snake bite

Let’s analyze these rumors in detail and discuss the right first aid intervention for a snake bite.

1.     You can treat a snake bite with electric shock

Up until now, some people still believe and use electric shock to treat victims of snake bite.  The rumor continues in various web resources and states that applying a shock to the casualty can remedy a snake bite. Its proponents believe that an electric shock renders the venom ineffective or less harmful.

More misinformation suggests multiple shock delivery strategies such as the use of a taser or car battery, as well as other electrical gadgets.

This theory dates back to 1986. It began with a feature in the Lancet Journal where a medical expert claimed to have treated multiple poisonous snake bites with electric shock therapy.

Soon after, other prominent magazines like New York Times, Time magazine, and Outdoor Life, featured the story making it a widespread rumor.

In essence, the expert was basing his claims on data gained from an Illinois-based farm owner, who told news sources that he treated severe bee stings with a “high-voltage, low ampere, DC shock” which prevented the usual extreme reactions.” Nevertheless, the doctor did not mention which magazine covered the story and when.

2.     Causing the wound to bleed out severely removes the venom

In the early 90s, a soldier got struck by a rattlesnake in his index finger. In a bid to prevent the poison spread and reduce its harmful effects, the soldier stuck his finger into the gun’s barrel and shot it. Yes, he shot his finger!

Apparently, the victim believed that doing so would trigger profuse bleeding and expel the poison. According to him, any leftover poison can be remedied by burning the tissue.

The doctor who finished the amputation did not find any signs of snake venom. And though such solutions may sound sensible, it is still not advisable to go such extremes to trigger extreme bleeding.

In the worst cases, one may bleed out excessively and die due to their own actions.

3.     Drinking alcohol reduces the pain from a snake bite

Casualties are advised to wash the wound with running water and soap to reduce the likelihood of infection hence the rumor about alcohol.

While alcohol can also serve as a disinfectant, one thing you shouldn’t do is have the casualty consume some liquor. The same applies to drinks containing caffeine. Taking such drinks soon after a snake bite can accelerate the absorption of poison by speeding up blood flow throughout the body.

The same goes for things that should definitely not be done with alcohol is to have the victim drink it – and that goes for caffeinated drinks as well. Such drinks speed up venom absorption in the body because they increase the circulation rate.

4.     You can use tourniquets to prevent the spread of venom

Using tourniquets during first aid for snake bite is another widespread belief misleading bystanders.

Apparently, the use of tourniquets is a misinterpretation of a common medical practice of applying compression to the affected part using a bandage. Nevertheless, an Australian study shows that immobilizing and applying pressures to a bitten part will “slow down the flow of venom into the circulation and buy some time for the casualty to seek medical attention.

On the downside, however, placing a tourniquet on the affected area can focus the venom on the injured part causing tissue damage and sometimes, tissue death. Furthermore, inflammation in the area may slow down circulation, and the flow of the antivenin to the affected area.

In a nutshell, the goal is to hinder the spread of venom throughout the body. Still, the first-aider must be careful to not cut it completely.

5.      You can remedy the bite by cutting it and sucking out the venom

You’ve almost certainly seen it in the movies. Yes, someone cutting off the affected part and trying to suck out the venom from a snakebite.

Though this widespread belief seems convincing, it helps to learn that cutting the affected area can increase the likelihood of infection. Plus, there’s no such thing as sucking out the venom.

According to medical studies, suction can help get rid of “little snake poison. Sometimes none at all.” More findings for the same study found that mechanical suction gadgets can cause tissue damage in the injured area and hold the venom.

First Aid for Snake Bite: What to do in case of an Emergency

Since you already know the don’t for a snake bite, let’s go through the right steps to follow according to the American Heart Association (AHA):

1.      Confirm scene safety

You want to check the surroundings to confirm that the snake is not around. Remember, the reptile may remain aggressive soon after the attack.

Follow these scene safety tips when handling snake bite emergencies:

  • When inspecting the areas for safety, be cautious to avoid attacks from the snake.
  • Move away from the snake. Don’t try to attack it.
  • Keep your distance even if the snake is hurt because some reptiles are aggressive even when in a critical situation.
  • If you must move the snake, use a long rake or shovel.

Follow all the above steps to ensure scene safety when dealing with snakes.

2.      Move the patient to another location and vacate the premise

Move the patient away from the area. Next, request another passerby to relocate other people from the area and dial 911 to get immediate help.

3.      Help the patient to relax

Request the casualty to stay calm. Relaxing is important in maintaining a normal heart rate and reducing the spread of venom.

Ask her to keep the injured part still. Lastly, take out any jewelry and tight-fitting attire.

4.      Clean the injured part

Wash the injured part gently using running water and some soap. This can help safeguard the injured part from catching an infection.

A Final Word on First Aid for Snake Bite

Snake bites are threatening and require a swift response. This is because most snakes are venomous and a single encounter can be harmful if immediate action is not taken.

But besides being dangerous, snake bites are also one of the most controversial animal attacks, plagued by rumors from multiple sources. In particular, there’s lots of misinformation concerning first aid for snake bite, and some are supported and encouraged by multiple sources.

To improve at handling snake bites, attend a comprehensive first aid course. A complete first aid course should cover environmental emergencies. Under this sub-topic, first-aiders should learn more about treating extreme heat and coldness, attending to bites/stings from insects, and remedying attacks from other animals, snakes included.