FIRST AID for Poisonous Snakebites

• General Measures: The following first aid measures are recommended for ALL poisonous snake bites:
  • Move away from the snake.
  • Victim should remain calm and minimize activity (to reduce absorption and circulation of the venom).
  • Promptly transport victim to a medical facility.
  • Victim should not eat or drink anything.
• Antivenin: The most important treatment for poisonous snakebites is to go to a hospital emergency department as rapidly as possible so that you can receive appropriate antivenin (antivenom) and other emergency measures.

The following outdated First Aid treatments are NOT RECOMMENDED for snake bites:

• Incision and Suction (or "Cut and Suck"): Do NOT perform incision and suction. The majority of experts recommend against this. In addition, an incision performed by a hurried, nervous, and inexperienced individual may result in damage to an artery, nerve, or tendon.
• Suction: Research studies suggest that suction devices (e.g., Sawyer Extractor) do not work.Do NOT suck the bite wound with your mouth.