Snake Bite Do’s and Don’ts
• Do not suck venom out with your mouth. (all it takes is a cavity or mouth sore to carry the venom).
• Do not run around screaming and yelling if bit (will pump the venom through the blood quicker causing more damage to tissue and organs).
• Do not drive self to hospital if bitten by a venomous snake (you may pass out and cause more injuries).
• Do not cut an “X” over bite wounds and suck out venom. (This may cause more infection).
• Do not ASSUME a venomous bite is a Dry-Bite (let a doctor make that decision). When is doubt have a Dr. check it out!
Do not try to kill/catch the snake. Do not pick up dead snakes. Do not use a tourniquet. Do not put ice on the wound. Do not drink alcohol.
If bitten DO THIS:
Stay calm. Remove all jewelry. Splint area of bite. Mark area of swelling and note time (do this every 10/15 min.). Get medical treatment.
IF YOU ARE BITTEN: While on your way to medical treatment call Venom-1, Dade County Fire Rescue. Have the Dr. call him. They have the ability to have anti-venom in the air and on the way to you within an hour anywhere in the WORLD. Venom-1 mdfrantivenom@miamidade.gov
Write these numbers down. non-urgent -786-331-4454 urgent – 786-336-6600
Remember CORAL SNAKES: “Red Touch Yellow Kills a Fellow, Red Touch Black Friend of Jack.”
If you forget the rhythm, think of a Traffic Light. “Red and Yellow Kill a Fellow…”
10%-20% of venomous snake bites are dry-bites every year. What does that tell you? Chances are the venomous snake bite is not good and medical treatment is needed immediately (80% to 90% have venom injected).
Venomous Bites: Approximately 200 venomous bites in Florida per year. 8,000 in the USA. 100,000 fatalities every year in the world.
