Snake Bite Treatment: What to Do If You're Bitten by a Rattlesnake
Snake Bite Treatment: What to Do If You're Bitten by a Rattlesnake
Snakes are a natural part of our ecosystem. But getting too close to wildlife can be dangerous. About 7,000–8,000 Americans are bitten by snakes each year.
A rattlesnake bite can be scary, but knowing what to do—and what not to do—can make a difference.
How to Prevent a Snake Bite
It’s always possible to come across a snake while hiking or spending time outdoors, especially on a sunny day.
Here are a few precautions to help you stay alert:
- Stay on the trail
- Avoid sitting on logs or rocks where snakes may hide
- If you hear a rattling sound, back away slowly
- Never pick up a snake
What to Do After a Rattlesnake Bite
If a snake bites you, seek emergency medical care as soon as possible.
While you’re getting help:
- Stay calm. Movement and activity increases your heart rate and the flow of venom through your body.
- Leave the bite alone. Don’t cut the wound or try to remove the venom.
- Remove rings and other jewelry. The affected area can cause swelling and make it difficult to remove these items.
How Doctors Treat a Rattlesnake Bite
At an emergency department, your care team will examine the bite, order labs, and discuss treatment options with you.
Alyrene Dorey, MD, an assistant professor in emergency medicine at University of Utah Health and assistant medical director at the Utah Poison Control, notes that about 20–25% of snake bites are “dry bites,” or non-venomous. If the snake bite is determined to be venomous, antivenom is given as soon as possible to stop the spread of snake venom.
“We give it early if we can,” Dorey says. “That will help the patient have a better outcome in the long run.”
People who receive antivenom usually stay at the hospital for at least 24 hours for observation. While pain and swelling go down over time, you may be recommended for follow-up lab tests after you least the hospital.
“The average person should be back to normal by one month after the bite,” Dorey says.
How Rattlesnake Antivenom Works
Two antivenoms are used to treat North American pit viper bites: CroFab and ANAVIP. Scientists use this venom to identify toxins and form antivenom.
- CroFab: Made using venom from four different snakes, the venom-extraction phase is performed in Utah.
- ANAVIP: Formed using snakes from Mexico and Central America.
“There are about 40 or 50 different rattlesnake species across the country, so you can’t pick every single one, but we know that covers the majority of them between those four snakes,” says Michael Moss, MD, medical director of the Utah Poison Control Center.
What Not to Do After a Snake Bite
Movies, social media, and old first-aid advice can spread dangerous myths about snake bites. Here are things to NOT do:
- Don’t cut the wound. Cutting can damage tissue and blood vessels.
- Don’t suck out the venom. Saliva in the wound and venom in the mouth cause more problems.
- Don’t use a tourniquet. A tourniquet can cut off the blood flow and harm the limb.
- Don’t shock or electrocute the bite. This causes unnecessary injury.
- Don’t pick up a snake. The safest action is to leave snakes and other wildlife alone.
Wilderness Medicine Resources in Utah
The University of Utah has a national reputation for expertise in wilderness medicine. Services from Wilderness Emergency Medicine Services (WEMS) include customized expedition recommendations, emergency protocols, and medical and survival kits. They are a great resource for your next outdoor adventure.
Occasionally, snakes might wander into your yard or your home. If this is the case, do not approach the snake. Contact your local division of wildlife to find a service that will safely remove the snake.
