How to Treat a Mojave Rattle Snake Bite

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), approximately 7,000 to 8,000 people in the United States receive venomous snakebites each year and about five of those people die. However, antivenoms that can counter the effects of snake venom have been developed. If this antivenom is administered in a timely fashion, the victim should recover. The Mojave (or Mohave) rattlesnake has a neurotoxin venom that can shut down parts of the nervous system, leading to paralysis of the respiratory tract. Because this type of snakebite is so deadly, it must be treated immediately.

Things You'll Need

• Phone
• Water
• Soap
• Bandages

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Instructions

• 1

  Call 9-1-1 or the local emergency medical services. It is imperative to get medical treatment as quickly as possible.

• 2

  Identify the snake. Get a description of the snake, including color and shape. Take a picture if you can do so safely. This is important because Mojave rattlesnakes have two different types of toxins. Knowing the type of toxin will help medical personnel determine the best treatment.

• 3

  Keep the victim calm and as still as possible. Minimizing physical exertion and keeping the heart rate from accelerating helps slow the spread of the venom.

• 4

  Keep the area of the bite below the level of the heart.

• 5

  Remove any jewelry or constrictive clothing near areas of swelling.

• 6

  Keep the victim’s airway open to help his breathing.

• 7

  Wash the bite with soap and water and cover it with a clean, dry bandage if you have access to these materials while you wait for medical professionals to arrive.