Don’t Make It Worse: What Not to Do After a Snake Bite
Getting bitten by a snake is terrifying enough, so the last thing you want to do is make it worse! The wrong moves can actually spread the venom faster or worsen your condition. Here are ten crucial mistakes to avoid if a snake leaves you with a parting “gift.”
1. Don’t go running like a marathon champ
Running away might seem like the first instinct, but physical activity speeds up your blood flow, which could spread the venom faster. Try to keep calm (easier said than done!) and sit or lie down if possible. Staying still helps slow the venom’s journey through your body and gives you a better shot at proper treatment.
2. Don’t go slicing the bite open like it’s an action movie
Movies make it look heroic, but cutting into a snake bite is a big mistake. It won’t help remove the venom and can lead to infection, making things a lot worse. Resist the urge to go all DIY surgeon on yourself. Instead, keep the bite area clean, cover it with a loose dressing, and focus on getting help quickly.
3. Forget the “suck out the venom” trick
Trying to suck out snake venom is as outdated as using a rotary phone. Not only is it ineffective, but it can also introduce harmful bacteria into the wound. Plus, no one wants a mouthful of venom! Leave this old trick in the past and let medical professionals handle the venom removal instead.
4. Skip the ice packs and cold compresses
Applying ice to a snake bite might seem like a good way to reduce swelling, but it can actually do more harm than good. Cold compresses restrict blood flow, which can worsen tissue damage. Instead, keep the bite area at heart level and wait for proper medical care. Save the ice for sprained ankles, not snake bites.
5. Don’t down a shot of whiskey to ease the nerves
Taking a swig of alcohol might sound tempting, but alcohol actually dilates your blood vessels and could speed up the venom’s spread. Plus, it impairs your judgment—something you really need intact in an emergency. Stick to water if you’re thirsty, and keep a clear head to follow instructions when help arrives.
6. Don’t mess with tourniquets unless you’re a pro
Tourniquets are tricky; they can cut off blood flow entirely, leading to severe tissue damage and even amputation if left too long. Only a trained professional should apply one, so avoid reaching for your belt to improvise. A light compression bandage is better, as it slows the spread without cutting off circulation completely.
7. Skipping medical help and hoping for the best is a terrible idea
Snake bites are serious business, even if you don’t feel pain immediately. Some snakes have venom that works slowly, so you might not notice symptoms right away. Heading to the hospital is non-negotiable. The sooner you get there, the better your chances for a full recovery. Don’t gamble with your health—get checked out.
8. Avoid panic and excessive movement
Understandably, you’ll feel panicked, but keeping calm can make a real difference. Moving around too much pumps venom through your body faster. Take deep breaths, try to relax, and limit any movement. Staying as still as possible can buy you precious time and help slow the venom’s impact.
9. Don’t try to identify the snake by getting too close again
It might help the medical team if you know what type of snake bit you, but don’t put yourself in further danger by trying to catch a closer look. If the snake is still nearby, keep your distance and leave it alone. Focus on your own safety first, and let the pros handle the rest.
10. Never rely on old folk remedies to fix the bite
From applying mud to using herbs, old-school remedies might be tempting, but they’re usually ineffective and can even worsen the bite. Stick to tried-and-true first aid until you reach a medical professional. In this situation, science is your friend, so don’t gamble on untested methods.