Rattlesnake Bite Safety

About Rattlesnakes

• Identified by their triangle-shaped heads, slit eyes and fangs.
• Nonvenomous snakes typically have rounded heads, round pupils and no fangs.
• Rattlesnakes do not always warn with a rattle before they strike.
• Rattlesnakes can swim.

Safety Precautions

• Wear over-the-ankle hiking boots, thick socks, loose-fitting long pants and avoid wearing shorts.
• Stay on well-used trails when possible.
• NEVER FISH ALONE. Your life may depend on it if you are bitten.
• Avoid tall grass, weeds and heavy underbrush where snakes hide during the day.
• Avoid wandering around in the dark, use a flashlight.
• Step on top not over fallen trees or large rocks, a snake may be on the other side, or better yet go around.
• Know what you are reaching for. • Examine stumps or logs before sitting down and shake out sleeping bags before use.
• If you must move a rock or log, use gloves and roll it toward you, giving a snake the opportunity to escape in the opposite direction.
• Avoid approaching any snake, move away without making sudden or threatening movements.
• Use your wading staff to probe prior to walking around rocks and grasses.
• Fishing remote areas has increased risk and one should have a Satellite phone to access help.
• Carry a Snake Bite Kit and a First Aid Kit.
• Know where the nearest medical facilities are located and phone numbers.
• Have knowledge of cell service availability.

Symptoms of a Rattlesnake Bite May Include:

• Puncture marks.
• Redness, swelling, bruising, bleeding, or blistering around the bite and may move up the arm or leg.
• Severe pain and tenderness at the site.
• Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
• Labored 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.

First Aid

• Move far away from the snake.
• Seek medical attention as soon as possible (dial 911).
• Rattlesnake bites are very serious and can become life threatening if not treated immediately.
• Antivenom treatment must be started so the irreversible damage from venom can be stopped.
• Do NOT Drive yourself to the hospital, snakebites may cause dizziness and unconsciousness.
• Keep calm.
• Apply first aid while waiting for EMS (or transport to the nearest medical facility immediately).
• Lay or sit down with the affected area lower than the heart.
• Remove rings and watches before swelling starts.
• Wash the bite with soap and water.
• Cover with a clean, dry dressing.
• Immobilize the affected area.
• Mark the edge of tenderness/swelling on the skin and write the time alongside it.
• Inform your buddy.
• Identifying the snake can help with treatment. Remember color and shape or take a photograph from a safe distance if possible.

Do NOT

• Do not handle a freshly killed snake, one that is decapitated, trap it, or pick up the snake, it can still inject venom.
• Do not apply a tourniquet.
• Do not slash the wound with a knife or cut it in any way.
• Do not try to suck out the venom. This can transfer venom into your system through your mouth.
• Do not apply ice or immerse the wound in water.
• Do not drink caffeine.
• Do not drink alcohol as a painkiller.
• Do not take pain relievers (such as aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen).
• Do not apply electric shock or folk therapies.

Rattlesnake Facts

• There are over 25 different species of Rattlesnakes in the United States.
• 25–33% of rattlesnake bites are “dry,” when no venom is injected.
• Do NOT wait for symptoms to develop with a suspected “dry” bite. This requires early medical treatment in the event that venom was injected.
• Most bites occur when the snake is accidentally touched with the most bites on the arms, wrists or hands.
• About 8,000 people per year are bitten.
• 10 to 15 deaths per year.
• Most bites occur between April and October.
• Weather and conditions like wildfires may cause rattlesnakes to roam any time, day or night.

The DVFF Safety Committee

References: CDC and NIOSH National Institute for Occupational Safety; Health Mayo Clinic Snake Safety; USDA