Improving workplace health & safety through collaboration

Articles First Aid For Snakebite

First Aid For Snakebite

Principal Author / Publisher:Safetyhow Admin
Article Rating:
Body
Most North American snakes aren't poisonous. Some exceptions include the rattlesnake, coral snake, water moccasin and copperhead. Their bites can be life-threatening.

Of the poisonous snakes found in North America, all but the coral snake have slit-like eyes and are known as pit vipers. Their heads are triangular, with a depression (pit) midway between the eye and nostril on either side of the head.

Other characteristics are unique to certain poisonous snakes:

Rattlesnakes - rattle by shaking the rings at the end of their tails.
Water moccasins' mouths have a white, cottony lining.
Coral snakes have red, yellow and black rings along the length of their bodies.
To reduce your risk of snakebite, avoid touching any snake. Instead, back away slowly. Most snakes avoid people if possible and bite only when threatened or surprised.



If a snake bites you

  • Remain calm.
  • Immobilize the bitten arm or leg, and stay as quiet as possible to keep the poison from spreading through your body.
  • Remove jewelry before you start to swell.
  • Position yourself, if possible, so that the bite is at or below the level of your heart.
  • Cleanse the wound, but don't flush it with water, and cover it with a clean, dry dressing.
  • Apply a splint to reduce movement of the affected area, but keep it loose enough so as not to restrict blood flow.
  • Don't use a tourniquet or apply ice.
  • Don't cut the wound or attempt to remove the venom.
  • Don't drink caffeine or alcohol.
  • Don't try to capture the snake, but try to remember its color and shape so you can describe it, which will help in your treatment.
Call 911 or seek immediate medical attention, especially if the area changes color, begins to swell or is painful.
  • plfed294cb2e988f469ca61d3aef86be9a.jpg
  • zr0e39509a5a99a8807e6e3c53420d5b6c.jpg

Videos



References
Article Rating

This article has been read 885 times.

DISCLAIMER: All contents published on this website is for informational purposes only. In as much as we encourage write-ups to be originally written by the claimed authors, we might not be able to control those who will try to copy articles from other authors/writers. In view of the above, the owner and management of Safetyhow.com will not be liable for any loses, injuries, or damages from the display or use of the contents herein. Likewise, the owner and management will not be liable for any errors or omissions in the information stated. Furthermore, we highly recommend that any form of plagiarism or libel committed as a result or implication of the articles written by any specific author in this platform be reported to us immediately so that appropriate action will be given.

BROWSE ARTICLE BY CATEGORY

BROWSE ARTICLE BY INDUSTRY