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Increasing pain, swelling, or bruising around the bite.
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Nausea, vomiting, weakness, or dizziness.
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Unusual bleeding or difficulty forming blood clots.
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Blurred or double vision, drooping eyelids, or muscle weakness.
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Difficulty speaking, swallowing, or breathing.
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Fainting, confusion, or a reduced level of consciousness.
These symptoms do not all occur with every snake bite, and some can have causes unrelated to venom. Nevertheless, after a suspected snake bite, they must be taken seriously.
Do not wait for symptoms to appear before seeking medical care. If a bite may have come from a venomous snake, contact emergency services immediately, even if the person feels well.
If breathing becomes difficult, the person collapses, or consciousness changes, tell emergency responders immediately and follow their instructions. Do not give food, drink, or oral medication to someone who is unconscious or having difficulty swallowing.
Step One: Move Away From the Snake
The first priority is to prevent another bite. Move away from the snake and into a safe location without approaching, touching, or attempting to capture it.
Do not try to kill the snake or pick it up, even if it appears injured or dead. A snake can still pose a risk when handled, and trying to identify it at close range can put the victim and anyone helping them in danger.
If the snake can be observed safely from a distance, its general color, size, pattern, and location may help medical professionals. A photograph can sometimes be useful, but only if taking it does not delay treatment or expose anyone to further danger.
Never spend valuable time searching the area for the snake. Emergency care is more important than obtaining a photograph or confirming the species.
Step Two: Call Emergency Medical Services
Contact local emergency services immediately if a venomous snake bite is suspected or the type of snake is unknown. Explain that a snake bite has occurred and provide the person's location.
If possible, tell the dispatcher:
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Approximately when the bite happened.
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Where on the body the person was bitten.
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Whether pain, swelling, bleeding, weakness, or other symptoms have appeared.
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Whether the person has difficulty breathing, swallowing, or staying conscious.
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Any safely observed details about the snake.
