Snake Bites on the Rise

Recently Piedmont Healthcare’s emergency medicine department has seen an increase in the rates of snake bites. This holiday weekend, whether you are spending time outside or on the lake, you need to protect yourself and your family from potentially deadly snake bites.

Never attempt to go near any snake, but be aware of the venomous snakes that can be found in Georgia:

• Cottonmouth Water Moccasin (Shown Below – A)
• Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake (Shown Below – B)
• Coral Snake (Shown Below – C)
• Copperhead (Shown Below – D)
• Pigmy Rattlesnake
• Timber Rattlesnake

Follow these helpful tips from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to prevent, know the symptoms of and treat snake bites:

Preventing snake bites:

• Do not try to handle any snake.
• Stay away from tall grass and piles of leaves when possible.
• Avoid climbing on rocks or piles of wood where a snake may be hiding.
• Be aware that snakes tend to be active at night and in warm weather.
• Wear boots and long pants when working outdoors.
• Wear leather gloves when handling brush and debris.

Know the symptoms of a snake bite:

• A pair of puncture marks at the wound
• Redness and swelling around the bite
• Severe pain at the site of the bite
• Nausea and vomiting
• Labored breathing (in extreme cases, breathing may stop altogether)
• Disturbed vision
• Increased salivation and sweating
• Numbness or tingling around your face and/or limbs

If you are bitten, follow these first aid tips – they can save your life:

• Seek medical attention as soon as possible (dial 911 or call local Emergency Medical Services).
• Try to remember the color and shape of the snake, which can help with treatment of the snake bite.
• Keep still and calm. This can slow down the spread of venom.
• Apply first aid if you cannot get to the hospital right away.
  • Lay or sit down with the bite below the level of the heart.
  • Wash the bite with soap and water.
  • Cover the bite with a clean, dry dressing.

Most importantly, NEVER do any of the following:

• Do not pick up the snake or try to trap it.
• Do not wait for symptoms to appear if bitten; seek immediate medical attention.
• Do not apply a tourniquet.
• Do not slash the wound with a knife.
• Do not suck out the venom.
• Do not apply ice or immerse the wound in water.
• Do not drink alcohol as a painkiller.
• Do not drink caffeinated beverages.

Remember, the best treatment for snake bites is prevention, but if you are bitten, seek medical attention immediately.