Venomous Snake Bites: Symptoms & First Aid
Symptoms and First Aid
Symptoms: -
Signs or symptoms of a snake bite may vary depending on the type of
snake, but may include:
Puncture marks at the wound
Redness, swelling, bruising, bleeding, or blistering around the bite
Severe pain and tenderness at the site of the bite
Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhoea
Laboured breathing (in extreme cases, breathing may stop altogether)
Rapid heart rate, weak pulse, low blood pressure
Disturbed vision
Metallic, mint, or rubber taste in the mouth
Increased salivation and sweating
Numbness or tingling around face and/or limbs
Muscle twitching
Signs of Snake Bite: -
First Aid: -
Workers should take these steps if a snake bites them:
Seek medical attention as soon as possible (dial 911 or call local Emergency Medical
Services [EMS]).
o Antivenom is the treatment for serious snake envenomation. The sooner antivenom
can be started, the sooner irreversible damage from venom can be stopped.
o Driving oneself to the hospital is not advised because people with snakebites can
become dizzy or pass out.
Symptoms and First Aid
Symptoms: -
Signs or symptoms of a snake bite may vary depending on the type of
snake, but may include:
Puncture marks at the wound
Redness, swelling, bruising, bleeding, or blistering around the bite
Severe pain and tenderness at the site of the bite
Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhoea
Laboured breathing (in extreme cases, breathing may stop altogether)
Rapid heart rate, weak pulse, low blood pressure
Disturbed vision
Metallic, mint, or rubber taste in the mouth
Increased salivation and sweating
Numbness or tingling around face and/or limbs
Muscle twitching
Signs of Snake Bite: -
First Aid: -
Workers should take these steps if a snake bites them:
Seek medical attention as soon as possible (dial 911 or call local Emergency Medical
Services [EMS]).
o Antivenom is the treatment for serious snake envenomation. The sooner antivenom
can be started, the sooner irreversible damage from venom can be stopped.
o Driving oneself to the hospital is not advised because people with snakebites can
become dizzy or pass out.
