What to Do If You re Bitten by a Snake Cedars-Sinai Skip to content Close Select your preferred language English عربى 简体中文 繁體中文 فارسي עִברִית 日本語 한국어 Русский Español Tagalog Menu Close Call 1-800-CEDARS-1 toggle search form Close Share Email Print CS-Blog Cedars-Sinai Blog What to Do If You re Bitten by a Snake Jul 09, 2019 Cedars-Sinai Staff Share Tweet Post Rattlesnakes are common in Southern California. Hikers, campers, and gardeners be warned—it's snake season! A rainy winter followed by warmer weather brings great conditions for outdoor activities and for snakes coming out of hibernation. Even though a snakebite can happen any time, most occur between April and October when there is a significant warming trend. If you are bitten by a snake, call 911 or go to the ER immediately, even if you don't think the snake is venomous. Click To Tweet Despite their bad rap, most snakes are nonvenomous and their bites are not life-threatening, but you should still seek medical attention immediately after any snakebite. For tips on preventing snakebites and info on what to do if you are bitten, we talked to Dr. Sam Torbati, co-chair of Emergency Medicine. Read: How to Treat a Bee Sting Sam S Torbati MD Emergency Medicine Sam S Torbati MD Emergency Medicine 310-423-8780 Call to Schedule What to do if you re bitten by a snake If you are bitten by a snake, call 911 or go to the ER immediately, even if you don’t think the snake is venomous. "Try to remember the size, color, and shape of the snake." If the bite is from a venomous snake, you may be given antivenom medication, which can slow down or stop the effects of toxins in the body. Antivenom medication varies for different snakes, says Dr. Torbati, and should be given as soon as possible. "In order to provide the best treatment, we ask patients for a description of the snake. Try to remember the size, color, and shape of the snake,” advises Dr. Torbati. “A photo taken at a safe distance will also help." “Even though not all snakebites are toxic, it’s best to receive a proper medical evaluation sooner than later.” Whether the snake is venomous or not, the area around the wound is likely to be itchy, painful and swollen. Venomous bites may also lead to nausea, vomiting, numbness, weakness, paralysis, and difficulty breathing. Read: Everything You Need to Know About Bug Bites What to do immediately after a snakebite Whether the snake is venomous or not, the area around the wound is likely to be itchy, painful and swollen. Venomous bites may also lead to nausea, vomiting, numbness, weakness, paralysis, and difficulty breathing. Keep still and calm to slow the spread of the venom If swelling occurs, remove any jewelry or watches that could cut into the skin Gently bandage or cover the bite with a clean, dry cloth Asked to be carried, if possible, because any exertion may increase venom absorption Seek medical attention by calling 911 or going to an emergency room Snakebite don ts Don’t wait to seek medical attention Don’t apply a tourniquet Don’t slash the wound with a knife Don’t try to suck out the venom Don’t apply ice or immerse the wound in water Don’t consume alcohol or caffeine before treatment "Even though not all snakebites are toxic, it’s best to receive a proper medical evaluation sooner than later," says Dr. Torbati. Read: Heatstroke and Heat Exhaustion: What You Need to Know Preventing a snakebite Of course the best snakebite is one that doesn’t happen—a little bit of caution can go a long way in avoiding them. Ways to reduce your odds of a snakebite Wear long pants and proper footgear when hiking Be cautious when climbing rocks Stay out of tall grass Keep dogs on their leash Teach children to leave snakes alone Avoid placing hands or feet into a crevasse or hole Be aware before grabbing a stick or branch Tags Expert Advice Safety Share Tweet Post Popular Categories Health + Wellness Science + Innovation Community Blog & Magazines catalyst Blog & Magazines Home CS-Blog Blog CS Magazine Cedars-Sinai Magazine discoveries magazine Discoveries Magazine Embracing our Community Embracing Our Community Blog & Magazines catalyst Blog & Magazines Home CS-Blog Blog Embracing our Community Embracing Our Community CS Magazine Cedars-Sinai Magazine discoveries magazine Discoveries Magazine Popular Topics Cancer Women's Health Heart Expert Advice Patient Stories Brain Make an Appointment Find a Doctor Schedule a Callback Call us 24 hours a day 1-800-CEDARS-1 Support Cedars-Sinai Make a Gift Volunteer Share Email Print Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility