What is the treatment for a snake bite?

Snake Bite Treatment

For snake bite treatment, immediately activate emergency services, rest and immobilize the bitten extremity, remove constricting objects, and transport the victim to a medical facility as quickly as possible for definitive antivenom treatment. 1

Immediate First Aid Measures

• Activate emergency services immediately for any person bitten by a venomous or possibly venomous snake 2, 1
• Rest and immobilize the bitten extremity to minimize exertion and reduce systemic venom absorption 2, 1
• Remove rings and other constricting objects from the bitten extremity to prevent complications from swelling 2, 1
• Transport the victim to a medical facility as quickly as possible, as definitive treatment (antivenom) is only available in healthcare settings 1

Harmful Practices to Avoid

• Do NOT apply ice to a snakebite wound as it has unproven benefits and may cause additional tissue injury 2, 1
• Do NOT use suction devices (with or without incision) as they are ineffective for venom removal and may cause additional tissue damage 1
• Do NOT apply electric shock as it is ineffective and potentially harmful 2, 1
• Do NOT apply tourniquets as they can worsen local tissue injury 2, 1
• Do NOT use pressure immobilization bandaging in North America, as it may worsen tissue injury with cytotoxic venoms common in this region 2, 1

Medical Management

• Antivenom is the cornerstone of treatment for venomous snakebites and should be administered in a medical facility 1, 3
• Antivenom therapy is most effective when given within four hours of the snakebite 3
• Before receiving antivenom therapy, patients must be tested for hypersensitivity to prevent allergic reactions 3, 4
• Additional supportive care may include plasma expanders, pain medication, diazepam, tetanus toxoid, antiseptics, and antibiotics 3

Special Considerations

• Different types of venomous snakes require different approaches:
  • Pit vipers (rattlesnakes, copperheads, cottonmouths) cause 99% of snakebite poisonings in the US and typically cause local tissue necrosis 3
  • Coral snake bites (found in Southeast and Southwest US) produce primarily neurotoxic effects rather than tissue injury 2, 1
• Clinical monitoring is essential as envenomation syndromes can be erratic and affect multiple organ systems 5
• Consultation with a physician specialist is recommended due to the many variables in snakebite management 5

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

• Delaying transport to a medical facility to attempt ineffective first aid measures 1
• Failing to remove constricting items like rings, which can lead to ischemic injury as swelling progresses 1
• Excessive movement of the victim, which can increase venom absorption through the lymphatic system 1
• Using outdated methods such as incision, suction, ice therapy, or electric shock that can cause additional harm 2, 1, 6

Remember that prevention remains the most successful approach to snakebite management, but when bites occur, rapid transport to medical care is the priority 6.