What is the recommended action for a suspected snake bite in the field?

What is the recommended action for a suspected snake bite in the field?

• A. Keep the person calm and still, immobilize the limb, seek medical care; do not use tourniquets, cuts, or suction.
• B. Apply a tourniquet above the bite.
• C. Rub the bite with ice and move around.
• D. Suck out venom using a mouth suction device.

Answer: (A)

The key idea is to slow venom spread and get professional care quickly. Keep the person calm and as still as possible, since movement can push venom through the body. Immobilize the bitten limb with a splint to limit activity, and keep the limb at or slightly below heart level while you arrange transport. Seek medical help immediately because antivenom and monitoring may be needed. Do not use a tourniquet, cut the bite, or try to suck out venom—these methods can cause tissue damage, infection, and do not reliably remove venom. Ice the area or rub it, and move around, as none of these helps and they can worsen injury.

The key idea is to slow venom spread and get professional care quickly. Keep the person calm and as still as possible, since movement can push venom through the body. Immobilize the bitten limb with a splint to limit activity, and keep the limb at or slightly below heart level while you arrange transport. Seek medical help immediately because antivenom and monitoring may be needed. Do not use a tourniquet, cut the bite, or try to suck out venom—these methods can cause tissue damage, infection, and do not reliably remove venom. Ice the area or rub it, and move around, as none of these helps and they can worsen injury.