How to deal with snake bites on trails and campsites?

Being in nature on trails and campsites can sometimes feel like invading the homes of insects and venomous animals. This is why we must be prepared for potential snakebites.

When a snake bites someone, it can inject its venom through its fangs, which causes a lot of pain and can even lead to death if we don't know what to do in the situation. In the event of an attack by this type of dangerous animal, it is common to see the mark of two prominent holes in the skin, usually accompanied by swelling and changes in skin color.

For non-venomous snakes, the marks are smaller, less dangerous, but equally painful. Today, we will talk about all the symptoms and how to act in case of a snakebite. Check it out!

What are the symptoms of a snakebite?

The signs that indicate a snakebite depend on the species and the amount of venom injected. However, there are common symptoms that appear within the first few minutes after the bite, such as intense pain in the area, swelling, and bruising.

Other common symptoms of poisoning include spontaneous bleeding, mental confusion, nausea and vomiting, as well as speech difficulties and blurred vision.

How long do symptoms take to appear?

Each type of venom has a different action time, but most bites begin to show the first symptoms between 15 minutes to 2 hours later. Except in the case of the coral snake, for example, general symptoms appear about 8 to 24 hours after the attack.

Another factor is that the venom's reaction time depends on the affected organism; some people may be less resistant to the toxin than others.

What should I do after a snakebite?

Whenever we talk about snakebites, the correct action is to seek a doctor who can provide immediate care. In the meantime, you can understand some information that can help you with the rescue.

Among these, it is important to check the bite pattern to identify if it could be a venomous snake and what the animal looks like if it is possible to identify it — this information can help with the antidote.

Losing your temper doesn't help with first aid, so stay calm and analyze the bite. If it has two prominent puncture marks and the symptoms go beyond controlled swelling, pain, and redness, it is certain that the bite was venomous.

Otherwise, there's a chance it's just a strike, when a bite occurs but no venom is injected. This helps to calm the situation, even if the first and most urgent action to take is to seek medical attention.

Another point is to stay as still as possible if bitten, because if the snake is still nearby, it may try to bite you again. Remember that these animals only attack when they feel intimidated or in danger, so try not to scare them again.

It is natural for the bitten area to suffer massive swelling, so remove all types of jewelry and accessories from your body to avoid the risk of them getting stuck and impairing circulation.

What not to do if bitten by a snake?

In case of a bite, avoid reproducing survival myths such as using a tourniquet, sucking the venom, ingesting alcohol, or unprescribed medications — these practices can put your health at risk and worsen the situation because only a doctor can identify the best treatment.

• Never apply a tourniquet: The use of a tourniquet is a dangerous myth for health; this practice can impair blood circulation in the bitten area, potentially causing necrosis or even amputation of the limb.

• Cutting to extract or suck venom: Besides being ineffective, sucking or cutting the skin to try and extract venom can introduce bacteria that would worsen the infection in the area. Therefore, in case of a bite, just wash the area with soap and water and wait for medical assistance.

• Ingesting alcohol: Alcohol can make the body more "fragile" to the action of the venom and worsen the situation. Furthermore, ingesting this type of substance can interfere with appropriate treatment.

• Using unprescribed medications: Like alcohol, the use of medications can interfere with treatment or react negatively with the venom. The most effective way to deal with symptoms is to take the victim to the hospital for treatment with antivenom.

How to identify the type of snake?

Snakes are identified by visual and behavioral elements such as head shape, scale coloration and pattern, and the presence of loreal pits — openings or depressions between the animal's eyes and nostrils.

Venomous species often have characteristics such as:

• Triangular head;

• Small, elongated scales;

• Vertical pupils (like a cat's);

• Loreal pits;

• More elongated and pointed shape.

Even when in pain, understanding what type of snake bit is part of the rescue, as this information helps identify the most appropriate treatment and which antivenom should be used.

How to avoid dangers with snakes in risk areas?

Whether on the trail or at the campsite, protecting yourself is the best way to avoid accidents. Wear boots, pants, and long-sleeved shirts in forested areas or on trails. Also use flashlights at night and keep the environment clean to avoid rodents, as they are prey for snakes.

If you are camping, keep boxes, tents, and baskets always closed to prevent animals from entering. And of course, never put your hand into holes or places where snakes might hide without checking first.

Prevention and information are the most effective ways to avoid accidents. Now that you know what to do in case of a snakebite, check out our tips on how to protect yourself from animals and insects.