Snakebite is the wound made by the fangs of a venomous snake or the teeth of a nonvenomous one. A venomous snake uses its hollow fangs to inject a poisonous substance called venom into its victim’s body. Snakes usually only bite to capture prey for food. But a snake will sometimes bite to defend itself when it feels threatened. If a venomous snake bites a human being, the victim must receive immediate medical treatment. But if the snake is nonvenomous, the bite need only be washed thoroughly with soap and water.
The appearance of the bite can help determine whether it came from a venomous snake. A venomous snake’s fangs will cause one or more puncture wounds in the skin. Most nonvenomous snakes do not have fangs. Their bites leave a series of superficial wounds, often in the shape of a horseshoe.
Types of venomous snakes.
The two largest groups of venomous snakes are vipers and elapids. Vipers include rattlesnakes, copperheads, and water moccasins. Many vipers strike and release their victims quickly because their fangs can shoot venom instantly into the wound. The area around the bite stings severely, swells quickly, and turns purple. The victim may then become pale, weak, and nauseated. The victim’s pulse becomes weak and rapid.
Elapids include cobras, mambas, and coral snakes. The fangs of an elapid snake do not deliver venom quickly. Therefore, an elapid frequently hangs on to its victim and chews, forcing venom into the bite. In most cases, the wound from an elapid bite causes little pain at first. But later, the breathing organs of the victim become partly paralyzed, and the victim becomes sleepy. See Snake.
First aid.
The following first aid procedures apply mainly to bites of venomous North American snakes. In other parts of the world, people bitten by venomous snakes should contact medical authorities for appropriate treatment procedures.
If a snakebite occurs, immediately call an ambulance or a local poison control center. If possible, identify the type of snake that made the bite. Position the victim’s body so that he or she is comfortable and can lie still. Try to keep the victim calm because activity can speed the spread of the venom.
If medical assistance will be delayed, tie a band of cloth above the bite. The band must fit snugly, but it should be loose enough for someone to slip a finger underneath it. Do not loosen the band until medical care is obtained. The victim may drink water unless nausea develops. Do not give the victim any form of alcohol to drink, and do not give aspirin, any drug containing aspirin, or any aspirin substitute containing acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Do not give antivenin (snakebite serum) or attempt to cut the skin surrounding the bite without a physician’s advice.
