If you live in an area with venomous snakes, it is a good idea to come prepared when going on hikes and camping trips. We have created a first aid kit for snakebites to increase your chances of survival and recovery. The following steps should be completed as quickly as possible to prevent the venom from spreading as much as possible. There are about 45,000 snakebites in the U.S. every year, and around five people die from those bites.
How to Treat a Snakebite
Get somewhere safe. Snakes are often territorial and only attack humans when they feel threatened.
Call 911 or have someone else call 911.
Remove any clothing that is covering the bite or will prevent the tourniquet from working properly.
If the snakebite is on a limb, apply the tourniquet 2-3 inches above the wound, but not directly on a joint. This should be tied with the same tightness as if you were going to get blood drawn.
Use the venom extractor on one bite mark at a time, alternating between the two. Do this five to six times on each side.
- If the snake has a coagulant in its venom and the extractor seems to be ineffective, clean the area with an antiseptic towelette and then use the scalpel to open the wound. This will hopefully allow the extractor to pull out the clotted blood and the venom.
Clean the wound with the BZK antiseptic towelettes and apply the bandages to the bite.
If you are treating someone else who has lost consciousness, use the ammonia inhalants to attempt to wake them up.
- If the person hit their head or suffered a spinal injury after fainting, keep them still and call emergency services.
Other Uses for the Kit
Our first aid kit for snakebites can also be used for insect bites and stings. The steps are exactly the same; however, the tourniquet will only be necessary for insects that have life-threatening venom, and the venom extractor will be able to cover the entire bite. The venom extractor can work for bees, wasps, spiders, scorpions, and even mosquitoes.
For bee stings, make sure to remove the stinger before using the extractor. Most insect venom stays closer to the surface of the skin, is in much lower doses, and should be much easier to extract than snake venom.
Notes for Snakebites and Extractors
If the snakebite is in an area with a lot of muscle like the calf, thigh, upper arm, etc. it may be impossible to fully extract the venom as the extractor’s suction won’t reach the muscle tissue. It is also likely that the extractor will not be able to extract all of the venom, and you or the victim should seek medical attention. The goal is to prevent the venom from spreading as much as possible, but snakes have adapted very effective venoms, and as such proper treatment will be necessary. Snakes can also carry germs and bacteria that could infect the wound if not treated properly.
