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Rattlesnake bites are venomous and require immediate medical help. If not treated promptly, these snakebites can lead to death.
Snakebites must always be taken seriously. Dry bites aren't dangerous and will probably cause some swelling, whereas venomous bites, if not treated promptly, can bring about death.
Rattlesnake bites are venomous and, thus, are a medical emergency. There are about 30 unique species of rattlesnakes on the planet. They can be easily identified by their unmistakable buzz or rattle, from which their name is derived. They utilize this rattle as a signal for predators to stay away.
Why is a rattlesnake bite dangerous?
The rattlesnake venom is predominantly a mixture of hemotoxins (a poison that affects the blood vessels and blood-clotting mechanisms) and some amount of neurotoxins (cause paralysis of the nerves and muscle).
Hemotoxins can damage the capillaries and cause hemorrhaging and necrosis of the affected part. They can cause the person to bleed internally and thus result in hemorrhagic shock, which is potentially fatal.
What are the signs and symptoms of a rattlesnake bite?
After being bitten by a rattlesnake, the venom requires just seconds to go from the poisonous snake's retractable teeth, through your skin, and into your circulatory system.
You'll start to see symptoms immediately, and they will worsen over time. It is best advised to immediately call for medical help once you’ve been bitten by a rattlesnake.
Below are some of the signs and symptoms to help identify a rattlesnake bite:
- Bite/puncture marks over the skin
- Redness, swelling, bruising, bleeding, or blistering around the bite
- Severe pain and tenderness at the site of the bite
- Rapid heart rate, weak pulse, and low blood pressure
- Blurry vision
- Eyelid drooping
- Metallic, mint, or rubber taste in the mouth
- Vomiting and nausea
- Numbness
- Shivering
- Increased salivation and sweating
- Muscle twitching
First aid for a rattlesnake bite
First aid is vital to post a rattlesnake bite. Here are some useful precautionary measures for a rattlesnake bite:
- Seek and dial for medical attention as soon as possible (dial 911 or call local Emergency Medical Services).
- If possible, take a photograph of the snake from a safe distance, which will help with identification.
- Wash the affected area with soap and water.
- Remove any adornments, bangles, rings, or watches because these could cut into the skin if swelling occurs.
- Lay or sit down with the bite in a neutral position. Moving around will make the venom spread quicker through the bloodstream.
- Keep the area of the bite underneath the heart level to slow the spread of venom through the bloodstream.
- Remain calm and still.
- Cover the bite with a clean, dry cloth. Try to use a pressure immobilization wrap if possible. This type of gauze must be tightly wrapped over (but not around) the bite.
- Do not use tourniquets to bind the affected area.
- Mark the affected area on the skin and write the time of bite alongside it.
Do NOT do any of the following
- NEVER handle a venomous snake, not even a decapitated or dead one.
- Never pick up or attempt to trap the snake.
- If bitten, seek medical attention even if there are no symptoms.
- Do not slash the wound with a knife or attempt to suck out the venom.
- Do not apply ice or immerse the wound in water.
- Do not drink alcohol or take any pain relievers (such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen).
- Do not attempt folk therapies.
How is a rattlesnake bite treated?
The final and ultimate treatment of a rattlesnake bite is antivenom. Knowing the size, color, and type of snake can help your doctor figure out which antivenom is the best for that specific bite.
Antivenoms are made by immunizing horses or sheep with the venom of a specific snake. Their blood serum is then processed because it will contain antibodies fit for killing effects of that particular venom. Antivenom will be given through the intravenous route (through a needle in the arm).
If you experience any of the following side effects after antivenom administration, you should contact your medical care specialist immediately:
- Rash
- Itching
- Pain in the joins
- Fever
- Kidney failure
- Swollen lymph nodes
