About Snakebites

We live in a world where different snakes can be found in just about every place across the globe. Snake populations are very high in the desert regions of the United States. Arizona and Nevada are two states which are heavily populated by rattle snakes. Getting bitten by a snake can be a scary experience whether the venom is poisonous or not. All snake bites should be treated the same. The paramedics should be called right away regardless of the type of snake that attacked. Snake bites are more commonly seen during the spring and summer months. Rattle snakes are seen quite often during this time.

  1. Function

    • Snakes, especially rattle snakes typically will not bite unless they feel threatened. In many instances people or even a small child might step on a snake unintentionally. Snakes usually bite when people get too close or they are accidentally stepped on. Snakes do not specifically look for humans to bite. In fact most snakes like to be secluded in quiet isolation. However, open spaces are less common as homes are being built further out which directly invades the snake's habitat. The majority of the time people end up startling the snake by accident.

    Effects

    • Snake bites can be very serious even causing death especially if a small child is bitten. A child's body is much smaller than an adult so the venom travels more rapidly and children are more likely to die if they are bitten by a venomous snake. After a snake bites a person there are many things that happen rather quickly. Swelling and redness spread on the skin and chills or even fainting may happen. The victim will often vomit go into shock or even have a seizure. When a snake bites, get the victim away from the snake as soon as possible and call 911. Try to keep the person calm and wait for the paramedics. Antivenin needs to be administered as soon as possible--typically within four hours of the bite.

    Types

    • There are many different types of snakes and not of all of them have a deadly bite, but always remember to treat every snake bite the same because you really never know and common sense should always be used. It is far better to safe than sorry. The different types of venomous snakes are rattle snakes, cobra snakes, black mamba, sea snakes, coral snakes, cottonmouth, bushmaster and copperhead snakes.

    Prevention/Solution

    • Be cautious when you are out in the woods or areas where there is tall grass. Avoid touching or going near snakes. Always leave snakes alone and teach your children to never go near or touch a snake. When you are hiking stay on the path and don't put your hands inside of logs or other areas where you can't see what may be lurking in the dark. Always tell people where you are going and have a cell phone that works in remote areas with you. This could save your life some day. Follow the buddy system by taking a friend or relative with you when you go to remote areas of the dessert or woods.

    Misconceptions

    • Some people think that they need to suck the venom out of the person right away. This is a very common misconception and it should never be done. Call 911 and wait for the professionals to arrive and provide medical treatment. If you are in an area where you are not able to call for help, then the next best option is to drive the person bitten to a nearby hospital right away and call from the road on your cell phone when you can get reception. Another common misconception about treating snake bites is to cover the snake bite with a bandage. This should never be done either and it can actually make symptoms worse by pushing venom into the person faster. The primary goal should be to get medical help as soon as possible.