How to Treat a Snake Bite
There are a number of myths about how to deal with a snake bite, but the best thing to do is to call 911 or have someone take you to the nearest hospital or medical facility.
Remove any jewelry or restrictive clothing around the area. If you can, apply a splint in order to limit joint mobility.
"Rattlesnake bites are a medical emergency," Phillip says. "Prompt antivenin therapy in a hospital is the only accepted treatment for [these types of] snakebites."
You want to get to a hospital as quickly as possible, but do not run—that will only speed up the venom's progress.
"The affected area will eventually blister up and become open sores," Phillips says. "The venom has an anticoagulant and will make the healing process take a very long time. The sooner you get the antivenin, the less damage will occur."
Phillips warns that you should never do the cut-and-suck method that you see in old movies. Cutting the area can do more damage, and this should only be done as a last resort.
Try to get a good mental image of the snake or, if possible take a photo, as the hospital staff will need to know which snake it was and what size.
According to Phillip you should NOT try ANY of the following:
- Apply a tourniquet
- Apply heat or ice
- Apply tobacco
- Hook yourself up to your car battery
- Use a stun gun
- Take any type of drug or alcohol
More: Hiking With Your Dog: Rattlesnake 101
Be Smart on the Trail
Before you hit the trail, make sure to educate yourself about the snakes you may find in your region. Keep your eyes moving, scan the area, and pay attention to where you are stepping.
Remember, snakes are more likely to retreat than attack if they are left alone, so if you see one, try to go around or in the opposite direction.
A potential snake encounter is no reason to avoid hiking and running outside.
More: How to Use Hiking to Get in Shape
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