Treating Snake Bites

While Florida is known for its alligators, it’s important to remember that venomous snakes also call the Sunshine State home. “Your rattlesnakes, moccasins, copperheads, those are endemic to the area.” Dr. Alexander Ortega works in Lee Health’s Pediatric Intensive Care Unit. He said if you are bit, first things first secure the scene and get away from the snake. “You want to remain as calm as possible, and you also want to try to elevate the limb that was attacked above the level of the hearts to reduce swelling to that area.”

If you can, try to get a picture of the snake so doctors can determine if it’s venomous. Then it’s time to call 911 so you can be seen by a medical professional. “We will examine the puncture wounds that were left, the evidence from the scene, and there will be an interval of time between the incident and the time you were here, so will be able to see how fast something has progressed as an indicator that this may or may not be venomous,” said Dr. Ortega.

The immediate effects venom has on the body is swelling. “So like how mosquito bite causes some local swelling, with the venom it’s a deeper and more penetrating destructive kind of toxin, so you start to not only get something at the skin level, but also at the muscular level,” said Dr. Ortega.

Some may also experience effects like nausea, increased heart rate, and muscle weakness. Doctors can treat venomous snake bites with supportive care and anti-venom. If the snake is nonvenomous, you should still seek medical attention, but first aid to the injured area should do the trick. The best thing you can do is to be mindful when you’re in the woods or tall grass to avoid getting bit in the first place.
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