Snake Bite Prevention and First Aid
There are about 7,000 snake bites reported each year in the Unites States, and Arkansas has the third highest rate of snake bites of any state. “Thankfully, of those 7,000 snake bites, only about five or so will be fatal,” says Dr. Ryan Mantooth, an emergency medicine physician at Washington Regional.
Most snake bites happen in someone's own yard or a place that they're familiar with. In general, most bites occur when a snake is provoked or threatened.
“Things you can do to try to prevent getting bit by a snake in the first place include wearing protective clothing, especially if you know you're going to be in an area with tall grass, thick brush, working around woodpiles or other matter where snake might hide,” Mantooth says. He suggests wearing tall boots, leather gloves and looking before you reach into any crevices or places where a snake may take shelter. If you are in areas of tall grass or hiking, Mantooth recommends staying on the trail or path if there is one.
The majority of snake bites are dry bites, meaning even if it is a poisonous snake, no venom is released. “Between 25 to 40% of bites are actually envenomations,” Mantooth says. “However, you're probably not going to know, so it's important to get medical care where you can be observed and treated with antivenom as quickly as possible if needed.”
If you are bitten, Mantooth recommends taking the following steps:
- Stay as calm as you can
- Remove any jewelry or tight clothing near the bite
- Keep the affected arm or leg still
- Elevate the affected area, but keep it just below the level of the heart
“Most of the other things you hear about, whether that's trying to cut the bite, suck out the venom, tourniquets, or trying to shock yourself - none of that is effective or recommended,” Mantooth says. He says the best thing to do is seek medical help as quickly as possible, either by calling 911 or going to the nearest emergency room. “There's a saying that the best snake kit is actually a set of car keys and a cell phone. There’s not a lot you can do in the field.”