When bitten by a snake, you should do these things first
Oh, my dear friend, this is a very serious and important question. If you are ever in a situation where a snake bite occurs, knowing exactly what to do can quite literally save a life.
At 73, living alone and being incredibly proactive about my health, I’ve learned that in a true emergency, panic is the enemy of clear thinking. Between keeping a watchful eye on my circulation, monitoring those sudden, unexplained purple blotches on my arms, and doing everything I can to stay safe, I know that a calm, methodical response is our greatest asset.
⚠️ URGENT MEDICAL DISCLAIMER
I am a wellness enthusiast, not a doctor. A snake bite is a medical emergency. If you or someone else is bitten by a snake, call 911 or your local emergency number immediately. Do not wait to see if symptoms develop. Always follow the instructions of emergency dispatchers and medical professionals.
The “First Aid Science” Reality: What to Do FIRST
If a snake bite occurs, your immediate goal is to slow the spread of venom (if it is a venomous bite) and get professional medical help as fast as possible. Here are the critical, evidence-based steps:
1. Stay Calm and Still (The Most Important Step!)
Panic causes your heart rate to spike. A faster heart rate pumps blood—and any potential venom—through your body much more quickly. Take deep, slow breaths. Remind yourself that you are taking the right steps. Keeping your heart rate steady is exactly what we want to do to protect our circulation and slow the spread of toxins.
2. Call 911 Immediately
Do not attempt to drive yourself to the hospital unless absolutely no other option exists. Emergency responders can begin life-saving protocols on the way and alert the hospital to have antivenom ready.
3. Keep the Bite Below Heart Level
If possible, keep the bitten area (usually an arm or leg) positioned lower than your heart. Gravity helps slow the upward flow of blood and lymph, which can delay the spread of venom.
4. Remove Constricting Items Immediately
Snake bites cause rapid, severe swelling. Immediately remove any rings, watches, bracelets, or tight clothing near the bite area before the swelling starts. If you wait, these items can act like tourniquets and cut off circulation, causing severe tissue damage.
5. Immobilize the Limb
Keep the bitten arm or leg as still as possible. If you have a splint, a sling, or even a sturdy piece of cardboard and a scarf, gently immobilize the limb to prevent muscle movement, which also pumps venom through the lymphatic system.
6. Note the Snake’s Appearance (Safely)
If you can do so without putting yourself in further danger, take a mental note of the snake’s color, shape, and size, or have someone else take a photo from a safe distance. Do not attempt to catch or kill the snake. This information helps doctors choose the correct antivenom.
🚫 The “Absolutely Do NOT Do This” List (Myth-Busting!)
Hollywood movies have taught us some very dangerous, completely false first aid methods. Never do the following:
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- DO NOT cut the wound: This causes severe tissue damage and increases the risk of infection.
- DO NOT attempt to suck out the venom: Neither your mouth nor a suction device works, and it introduces dangerous bacteria into the wound.
- DO NOT apply a tourniquet: Cutting off blood flow entirely can lead to the loss of the limb due to tissue death (necrosis).
- DO NOT apply ice or cold packs: Ice can worsen tissue damage and does not neutralize venom.
- DO NOT drink alcohol or caffeine: Both of these speed up your heart rate and blood circulation, which is the exact opposite of what you want.
Biological Sciences
The “Avocado Lover’s” Garden Safety & Calming Ritual
Since I have a strong personal preference for avocados and incorporate them into almost every single aspect of my life (even though my children absolutely do not share my liking for them, which just means I get to enjoy the whole, glorious batch all to myself!), my connection to nature often involves spending time in the garden.
To prevent snake encounters, I always practice proactive safety: I wear thick, closed-toe boots and heavy gardening gloves when working in tall grass, brush, or around woodpiles, and I keep my yard tidy to remove hiding spots for snakes and the rodents they hunt.
If I ever have a scare (like a close encounter with a harmless garden snake), once I am safely inside, I use my go-to 3-Ingredient Calming Ritual to reset my nervous system and bring my heart rate back down:
Ingredients You’ll Need:
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- ½ large, ripe avocado: Mashed, providing heart-healthy monounsaturated fats that support steady circulation.
- 1 slice of whole-grain toast: For grounding, fiber-rich energy.
- A squeeze of fresh lemon juice & a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt: The lemon provides Vitamin C for collagen strength, and the ritual of preparing it forces me to focus on slow, deliberate breathing.
Health
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- The Gentle Mash: Toast the bread and mash the avocado with the lemon juice and salt.
- The Deep Breath: As I prepare this, I take five slow, deep breaths, reminding my body that I am safe, secure, and in control.
- The Daily Habit: I enjoy this with a warm cup of caffeine-free chamomile or ginger tea. The warmth soothes my digestive tract, while the healthy fats help relax my blood vessels, melting away any lingering adrenaline.
Let’s Prioritize Safety and Peace of Mind
I truly hope this guide brings you clarity and preparedness, not fear. It is so empowering to know the facts and to discard the dangerous myths that can do more harm than good.
By staying calm, acting quickly to remove constricting items, immobilizing the limb, and getting professional medical help immediately, we give ourselves the absolute best chance for a full and speedy recovery.
Have you ever had a close encounter with wildlife, or do you have a favorite safety tip for spending time outdoors? I would absolutely love to hear your thoughts! Drop a comment below to share your wisdom, and please share this article with a friend or family member who spends time hiking, gardening, or living in rural areas.
Coffee & Tea
Stay safe, stay calm, and I’ll see you in the kitchen (with my tea, my avocado toast, and my sturdy gardening boots)! 💚🐍🩺
