Remain calm when bitten by a rattlesnake.
As reported by Trail Blazer Magazine, over 8,000 people are bitten by poisonous snakes each year, with most deaths caused by rattlesnakes. Though only an average of 10 people a year die, rattlesnake bites should be taken very seriously. There are many treatment options and anti-venom is available, but what you do immediately after the attack and before receiving medical attention can save your life.
Instructions
1. Get away from the snake and sit down. Do not try to kill the snake or deal with it in any way, just step away to a safe distance, take a seat and gather yourself. Do, however, make a conscious effort to remember exactly how the snake looks, as this will be useful in helping emergency workers determine the anti-venom needed.
2. Stay calm. Increased pulse rate that comes with panic will increase blood flow and pass the venom through your body at a faster rate. It does not matter how bad your situation is, panic will only make it worse.
3. Clean and treat the wound. Wash the bite area with water and, if you have it, soap. If you are carrying a snake-bite kit, clean the wound with alcohol wipes then use the snake-bite pump to extract some of the venom. The venom will have already inflamed the bite area and the pump will increase this pain, but it is important to extract as much venom as you can, so work through the pain. When you are done, clean the wound again, then dry and wrap it loosely with a bandage.
4. Orient yourself and formulate a plan. If you do not already know, work out your location in your head and formulate a plan to deal with the situation. Even if you are not traveling with anyone or have not seen others around, yell for help. If you have a cellphone, check for a signal and make a call. If you are not in cellphone range and you have not been able to find anyone, you will need to make your way back from where you came.
5. Remain calm and wait for help. If you are able call or send someone back for help, relax as best as you can and wait for emergency help to arrive. Do not elevate the bite area. Raising the bite above the heart will encourage greater circulation of the venom, so keep the affected area below your heart whenever you can.
6. Travel back at a slow pace. If you cannot find help, you need to travel the distance yourself. Move slowly and deliberately, being careful to make progress but to keep your heart rate as low as possible.
Tags: bite area, clean wound, deal with, formulate plan, panic will, Remain calm