Frequently Asked Snakebite Questions

Q: How common are venomous bites?
A: Of the estimated 45,000 snakebites each year in the United States, approximately 7,000 to 8,000 involve venomous species.

Q: Are all snakes poisonous?
A: Two families of venomous snakes are native to the United States. The vast majority are pit vipers, of the family Crotalinae, which include rattlesnakes, copperheads and cottonmouths (water moccasins). About 99 percent of the venomous bites in this country are from pit vipers. The other family of domestic poisonous snakes is Elapidae, which includes two species of coral snakes found chiefly in the Southern states.

Q: Are all snakebites fatal?
A: No. While about 8,000 people a year receive venomous bites in the United States, only five to six victims die. Some experts say that it is because victims cannot always positively identify a poisonous snake, they do not seek prompt medical attention or they may not believe the snake is poisonous.

Q: What are the early onset and long-term signs and symptoms of injury?
A: Early onset symptoms of poisonous snakebites include pain, puncture wounds from fangs, blurred vision, blood from the wound, dizziness, excessive sweating, fainting, loss of muscle coordination, swelling, weakness, rapid pulse, nausea and vomiting. Long-term effects of poisonous snakebites include loss of limb, decreased mobility and tissue death or necrosis at the site of the injury.

Q: How can I avoid getting a snakebite?
A: Some bites, such as those inflicted when snakes are accidentally stepped on or encountered in wilderness settings, are difficult to prevent. But experts say a few precautions can lower the risk of being bitten: leave snakes alone. Many people are bitten because they try to kill a snake or get a closer look at it. Stay out of tall grass unless you wear thick leather boots, and remain on hiking paths as much as possible. Keep hands and feet out of areas you can't see. Don't pick up rocks or firewood unless you are out of a snake's striking distance. Be cautious and alert when climbing rocks.

Q: Should you immediately seek treatment if you are bitten?
A: Yes. If you cannot seek attention immediately, many health-care professionals embrace just a few basic first-aid techniques. According to the American Red Cross, these steps should be taken: wash the bite with soap and water and immobilize the bitten area and keep it lower than the heart. Some medical professionals, along with the American Red Cross, cautiously recommend two other measures: if a victim is unable to reach medical care within 30 minutes, a bandage, wrapped two to four inches above the bite, may help slow venom. The bandage should not cut off blood flow from a vein or artery. A good rule of thumb is to make the band loose enough that a finger can slip under it. A suction device may be placed over the bite to help draw venom out of the wound without making cuts. Suction instruments often are included in commercial snakebite kits.

Q: How should you NOT treat a snakebite?
A:

• Contrary to advice given elsewhere DO NOT permit removal of pressure dressings, Sawyer extractor or ACE bandage until you are at a facility ready and able to administer antivenom. As soon as the dressings are released the venom will spread causing the usual expected problems of venomous snakebite. The hospital at this time must be prepared to administer the antidote.
  
  
• Do not eat or drink anything unless okayed by medical sources
  
  
• Do not engage in strenuous physical activity
  
  
• Do not apply oral (mouth) suction to bite
  
  
• Do not cut into or incise bite marks with a blade
  
  
• Do not drink any alcohol or use any medication
  
  
• Do not apply either hot or cold packs
  
  
• Do not apply a narrow, constrictive tourniquet such as a belt, necktie or cord
  
  
• Do not use a stun gun or electric shock of any kind
  
  
• Do not waste time or take any risks trying to kill, bag or bring in offending snake

Q: How are venomous bites treated today?
A: Prior to the FDA approval of CroFab^®; - Crotalidae Polyvalent Immune Fab (Ovine) in 2000, the only specific treatment for crotalid snakebites was Antivenin (Crotalidae) Polyvalent, which was introduced by Wyeth-Ayerst in 1954 and is commonly referred to as the ‘Wyeth serum’. In January 2001, Wyeth announced the discontinuation of their antivenom.