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Definition Return to top
Poisoning from the bite of a poisonous snake.Poisonous Ingredient Return to top
The nature of the venom depends on the type of snake that inflicted the bite.Where Found Return to top
Symptoms Return to top
Rattlesnakes:Home Treatment Return to top
If within 40 minutes of an emergency room: Remove any restrictive clothing, rings, and watches. Have the patient rest. Keep the patient warm. Get the patient to the emergency room as soon as possible.Before Calling Emergency Return to top
Determine the following information:Poison Control, or a local emergency number Return to top
A call is probably not necessary unless summoning an emergency vehicle, as the patient should be seen in an emergency room to determine if the bite contains any poison.
Some snake bites are from nonpoisonous snakes, but 20-30% of the bites from poisonous snakes do not actually inject poison into the wound site and can therefore be treated as a puncture wound.
What to expect at the emergency room Return to top
Some or all of the following procedures may be performed:Expectations (prognosis) Return to top
If treatment is obtained soon enough, only a small percentage of those bitten by a poisonous snake die.
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Page last updated: 28 October 2004 |