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How to Survive a Rattlesnake Attack

Rattlesnakes are not aggressive, and do not "attack." However, rattlesnake bites can be extremely painful. If you are bitten, your survival depends on getting prompt medical attention. Rattlesnake bites pose the greatest risk to the young or elderly population. All pit viper bites (i.e., rattlesnake, copperhead, cottonmouth) are treated with the same antivenin, so it is not necessary to catch and identify the snake (and risk another bite).

Things You'll Need

  • Permanent marker
  • Compression bandage (extreme situations)
  • Snakebite kit (extreme situations)
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Instructions

  1. Be Prepared

    • 1
      A cell phone is the best snakebite kit.

      Always carry a cell phone when hiking or working in areas where you may encounter a snake.

    • 2

      Find out beforehand where the nearest hospital is located when you go hiking or camping. Map out an emergency route to the hospital.

    • 3

      Save the Poison Control Center Hotline phone number in your phone for emergencies: 1-800-222-1222.

    • 4

      Carry an athletic bandage and snakebite kit when hiking far from the beaten path.

    Respond Quickly

    • 5
      Knowing where the nearest hospital is can save your life.

      Call 9-1-1 immediately. Do not wait to seek medical help. Try to get medical attention within 30 minutes. You may need to begin driving toward the hospital and rendezvous with emergency responders. The 9-1-1 dispatcher will help you decide what to do.

    • 6

      Keep calm and do not consume any stimulants (e.g., coffee, soda) or narcotics (e.g., alcohol).

    • 7

      Remove any restrictive jewelry or clothing from the bitten extremity.

    • 8

      Use a permanent marker to circle the bite mark, record the time of the bite and keep track of swelling and other symptoms as they occur.

    • 9

      Keep the bitten appendage below the level of the heart.

    • 10

      If you have time (e.g., while waiting for an ambulance), wash the bite with soap and water.

    • 11

      If you have time (or while en route to the hospital), call the Poison Control Center Hotline and let the operator know that you have been bitten and the name of the local hospital. She will coordinate with medical personnel to ensure the best treatment possible.

    Extreme Situations

    • 12

      If you are hiking far from civilization, use the emergency-contact information provided by the ranger at the check station; rangers may be able to reach you faster than emergency medical responders.

    • 13

      If you are unable to get medical help within 30 minutes, apply a compression bandage between the bite and the heart. Wrap the bandage around the bitten appendage snugly; you should be able to slip a finger beneath the bandage. Do not remove the bandage.

    • 14

      In extreme situations, use a snakebite kit to apply suction to the bite wounds. Under normal circumstances where medical help is readily available, allow the bite to bleed freely.

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