Understanding what to do for a Snake Bites while hiking or on a camping trip
Snake bites are a genuine concern for outdoor enthusiasts, but knowledge is our best defence against fear. Not all snakes are venomous, and even bites from venomous snakes don’t always result in envenomation. However, it’s crucial to treat every snake bite as potentially dangerous until proven otherwise.
Types of Venom and Their Effects
Venomous snakes typically fall into two main categories: pit vipers (like rattlesnakes and copperheads) and elapids (like coral snakes). Their venoms can cause different effects:
- Hemotoxic venom: This type affects blood and tissue, potentially causing severe bleeding and tissue damage.
- Neurotoxic venom: Attacks the nervous system, which can lead to paralysis and respiratory failure.
- Cytotoxic venom: Destroys cells and tissues, often resulting in severe pain and localized swelling.
Understanding these differences can help you anticipate potential symptoms and communicate effectively with medical professionals if a bite occurs.
Immediate Response to a Snake Bite
The moments immediately following a snake bite are critical. Here’s a step-by-step guide on what to do:
Move away from the snake to prevent extra bites.
Remember, snakes can strike from a distance equal to about half their body length.
- Keep the victim calm and still.
Movement can increase heart rate and speed up venom circulation.
- Remove constricting items like jewellery or tight clothing.
Swelling is common with snake bites, and these items could become dangerously tight.
- Clean the wound with soap and water if available.
This helps prevent infection, but don’t delay other treatment steps if cleaning supplies aren’t readily accessible.
- Immobilize the affected limb, keeping it lower than the heart.
This can help slow the spread of venom.
- Mark the edge of the swelling and the time.
This information can be valuable for medical professionals.
The Pressure Immobilization Technique
For certain types of snake bites, particularly those from elapids, the pressure immobilization technique can be effective. Here’s a detailed guide on how to perform this technique:
Apply a firm bandage over the bite area, starting at the bite site and wrapping towards the body.
The bandage should be tight enough to compress surface veins and lymphatic vessels, but not so tight as to cut off circulation.
- Continue wrapping the bandage up the limb as far as possible.
For a leg bite, try to wrap all the way up to the groin. For an arm bite, go up to the armpit.
- Immobilize the entire limb with a splint or makeshift support.
This could be a sturdy stick or rolled up sleeping mat.
- Mark the location of the bite on the bandage.
This helps medical professionals locate the bite site quickly.
- Keep the victim as still as possible.
Any movement can increase venom circulation.
This technique needs proper training to be effective and isn’t recommended for all types of snake bites. It’s crucial to learn this skill before heading into snake country.
Many wildernesses first aid courses offer hands-on training in this technique.
Common Myths and Dangerous Practices
Over the years, many myths about snake bite treatment have circulated. Some of these practices can worsen the situation. Let’s cover some potentially harmful myths:
- Sucking out the venom: This method is ineffective and can introduce bacteria to the wound, increasing the risk of infection.
- Cutting the wound: This increases tissue damage and bleeding, potentially accelerating venom absorption.
- Applying a tourniquet: While it might seem logical to stop blood flow, this can lead to tissue death and potential limb loss.
- Applying ice: Cold can concentrate the venom and increase tissue damage.
It also masks important symptoms that medical professionals use to assess the severity of the bite.
- Drinking alcohol: Some believe alcohol can “thin” the blood or reduce pain. It can speed up venom absorption and complicate medical treatment.
- Capturing the snake: This is dangerous and unnecessary.
Modern antivenoms are effective against many species, and most medical professionals can identify the snake type from the bite symptoms.
Evacuation and Medical Assistance
In a wilderness setting, getting professional medical help is crucial. Here’s what to focus on:Contact emergency services immediately if possible.
If you’re in an area with cell service, call local emergency numbers or park rangers.
- If in a remote area, begin evacuation to the nearest medical facility.
Have a plan in place before your trip about the closest hospitals or ranger stations.
- If available, use a satellite phone or emergency beacon to call for help.
These devices can be lifesavers in remote areas.
- Keep the victim as still as possible during transport.
If a vehicle is available, bring it as close to the victim as possible to minimize movement.
- If helicopter evacuation is possible, prepare a clear landing zone.
Remove loose objects, mark the area, and be ready to guide the helicopter in.
- During evacuation, continue to monitor the victim’s vital signs and symptoms.
Note any changes in swelling, pain levels, or mental state.
Preventing Snake Bites While Camping
Prevention is always better than treatment. Here are some detailed tips to avoid snake encounters:
Wear suitable footwear and long pants.
Sturdy hiking boots that cover the ankles offer good protection.
- Use a walking stick to probe areas ahead of you.
This can alert snakes to your presence and give them a chance to move away.
- Avoid reaching into rocky crevices or dense vegetation without looking.
Many snake bites occur on hands when people unknowingly disturb a snake’s hiding place.
- Be extra cautious during warmer months and at dawn and dusk.
Snakes are more active during these times.
- Keep your campsite clean and free of food debris.
This helps prevent rodents, which can attract snakes.
- Use a headlamp or flashlight when walking at night.
Many snakes are nocturnal and are more active after dark.
- Learn to identify the venomous snakes in your camping area.
Knowledge of local species can help you avoid high-risk areas and recognize dangerous snakes if encountered.
- Stay on established trails when hiking.
Snakes often rest in tall grass or under logs off the beaten path.
Adapting to Different Scenarios
Snake bite treatment may vary depending on your location and the type of snake. Here are some considerations for different scenarios:
Coral Snake Bites
In areas with coral snakes, pressure immobilization is often recommended. These snakes have a neurotoxic venom that can cause respiratory failure. Quick application of pressure immobilization can significantly slow venom spread.
Pit Viper Bites
For pit viper bites (rattlesnakes, copperheads, cottonmouths), keeping the limb immobilized and below heart level is crucial. These bites often cause severe swelling, so removing jewellery and tight clothing is particularly important.
Remote Area Bites
In very remote areas, longer-term care may be necessary before evacuation is possible. In these cases:
- Keep the victim well-hydrated if they’re able to drink.
- Monitor for signs of shock, such as pale, cool, clammy skin, and rapid breathing.
- Be prepared to perform CPR if necessary.
- Use pain management techniques like elevation and cold compresses (not directly on the bite site).
Multiple Bites
In the rare case of many bites, prioritize treatment based on bite location. Bites closer to the head or torso are generally more serious than those on extremities.
Building Your Snake Bite Treatment Kit
A well-prepared camper should have a specialized snake bite kit as part of their first aid supplies. Here’s what to include:
- Pressure bandages: Several elastic bandages for pressure immobilization technique.
- Splinting materials: To immobilize the affected limb.
- Antiseptic wipes: For cleaning the bite area.
- Marker: To mark the edge of swelling and time of bite.
- Pain relievers: Non-aspirin pain relievers (aspirin can increase bleeding).
- Antihistamines: To help manage allergic reactions.
- Emergency blanket: To keep the victim warm and prevent shock.
- Flashlight or headlamp: For nighttime emergencies.
- Snake bite instruction card: A quick-reference guide for treatment steps.
Remember, specialized venom extraction devices are not recommended and should not be included in your kit.
Training and Preparation
Knowing how to treat a snake bite is an advanced wilderness skill that builds on basic first aid knowledge. Here’s how to prepare:
- Take a wilderness first aid course: Many outdoor organizations offer courses that include snake bite treatment.
- Practice the pressure immobilization technique: Regular practice helps you perform this technique quickly and effectively in an emergency.
- Study local snake species: Learn to identify venomous snakes in your camping areas and understand their habits.
- Plan your trips: Research the nearest medical facilities and evacuation routes before heading into snake country.
- Conduct mock scenarios: Practice your response to a simulated snake bite with your camping group.
Psychological Aspects of Snake Bite Treatment
The psychological impact of a snake bite can be significant for both the victim and the first responder. Here’s how to manage the mental aspects:
- Stay calm: Your composure can help keep the victim calm, which is crucial for slowing venom spread.
- Provide reassurance: Remind the victim that most snake bites are treatable with proper medical care.
- Keep the victim engaged: Ask them questions about their symptoms and involve them in the treatment process when possible.
- Manage your own stress: Take deep breaths and focus on the steps you need to take.
- Debrief after the incident: Discuss the experience with your group to process the event and learn for future trips.
Legal and Ethical Considerations
When treating snake bites in the wilderness, there are legal and ethical factors to consider:
- Good Samaritan laws: In many places, these laws protect individuals who provide emergency assistance from legal liability.
- Consent: If the victim is conscious, always explain what you’re doing and get their consent before providing treatment.
- Wilderness ethics: Follow Leave No Trace principles even in emergencies.
Pack out any waste from your first aid efforts.
Reporting: Many parks and wilderness areas require incident reports for snake bites.
This helps with tracking and improving safety measures.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do immediately after a snake bite?
Move away from the snake, keep the victim calm and still, remove constricting items, and begin first aid procedures like cleaning the wound and immobilizing the affected limb.
How can I tell if a snake is venomous?
While it’s best to treat all snake bites as potentially venomous, common signs of venomous snakes include triangular heads, heat-sensing pits between the eyes and nostrils, and elliptical pupils. However, these aren’t foolproof indicators, and it’s best to learn to identify specific species in your area.
Can I use a snakebite kit with a suction device?
Snakebite kits with suction devices are not recommended. They’re ineffective at removing venom and can cause extra tissue damage.
How long do I have to get medical help after a snake bite?
Seek medical help as quickly as possible. While many bites can be successfully treated even hours later, some can cause severe symptoms within 30 minutes.
Are all snake bites venomous?
No, not all snake bites are venomous. Some bites are “dry bites” where no venom is injected. However, it’s impossible to know immediately if venom was injected, so all bites should be treated as potentially venomous.
Can I use a tourniquet for a snake bite?
No, tourniquets are not recommended for snake bites. They can cause tissue damage and potentially lead to limb loss.
How effective is the pressure immobilization technique?
The pressure immobilization technique can be very effective, especially for bites from snakes with neurotoxic venom. However, it needs proper training to perform correctly.
What should I do if I can’t get medical help right away?
Keep the victim calm and still, immobilize the affected limb, monitor vital signs, and continue to seek help. Avoid home remedies or outdated treatments.
Can I prevent snake bites by wearing snake gaiters or boots?
Snake gaiters and thick boots can provide some protection against bites, especially to the lower legs. However, they’re not foolproof, and general awareness and caution are still necessary.
How do antivenoms work?
Antivenoms contain antibodies that neutralize snake venom. They’re typically made by injecting small amounts of venom into animals (usually horses) and then harvesting the antibodies produced.
Key Takeaways
- Treat all snake bites as potentially venomous until proven otherwise.
- Keep the victim calm and immobilize the affected limb.
- Avoid outdated treatments like sucking out venom or applying a tourniquet.
- Learn and practice the pressure immobilization technique before heading into snake country.
- Seek professional medical help as quickly as possible.
- Prevention through awareness and proper gear is the best defense against snake bites.
- Prepare a specialized snake bite kit as part of your camping first aid supplies.
- Take a wilderness first aid course to build your skills and confidence.
- Understand the psychological aspects of snake bite emergencies and how to manage them.
- Know the legal and ethical considerations of providing emergency care in the wilderness.