Surviving Snake Bites

Like most animals, snakes want nothing to do with humans. So, usually, it takes bad luck, like accidentally stepping on a slithering thing, or brain malfunction — like reaching blindly into piles of rocks or actually trying to catch one — to get bitten by a snake. Still, it's best to wear boots and long pants in snake territory. For added protection, you can wear gaiters, which shield your lower legs from all kinds of nastiness. And it doesn't hurt to pound the ground with a walking stick to let them know you're coming down the trail.

NO CUTTING AND SUCKING

OK, but what if it's not your day and a poisonous snake bites you? Time was when you would have been advised to have your hiking partner cut into the bite and suck the venom out. Forget about the cutting and sucking. Experts now say that's not a good idea because it could lead to infection. Better to use a commercial snake bite suction device, which you should invest in if you're a frequent hiker. The key to such kits is speed of use. To have any effect, the suction device must be used immediately after the bite, before the snake's venom is coursing freely through your bloodstream.

Also, wash the wound, stay calm and still, and keep the affected area below heart level to reduce the flow of venom. Remove any rings or tight-fitting clothing because the wounded area may swell. And don't apply a tourniquet. It won't help. The same goes for a cold compress. Never put one on a snakebite. Finally, don't drink or eat anything and don't take any painkillers.

DON'T BE A TOUGH GUY

What you do want to do is to head for a hospital. You could try to tough it out. But that would be stupid. The pain is only going to get worse and while you probably won't die, you could end up with permanent damage to a limb if you don't get some antivenin in you as soon as possible. If on foot, hike out slowly. You don't want to race along the trail because you don't want to speed the venom's spread. So, take your time and remain calm. If you have a cell phone and can get a signal, call ahead for help. It's possible that emergency medical personnel could meet you on your way out or at the trailhead.

Some people say you should hunt down the snake and kill it. Revenge is sweet and all, but the reason is so the doctor will know what kind of antivenin to use. But don't waste time crawling through the weeds looking for the nasty thing. If you do get lucky and find it, chop off the snake's head and take it with you. But be careful. It could, thanks to a reflex reaction, bite you again.

And wouldn't that stink.

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Surviving Snake Bites

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