Like all wilderness emergencies, rattlesnake bites are best handled with a
clear head and a little knowledge. In fact, there are generally less than six
deaths a year in the United States from the nearly 8,000 rattlesnake bites. That
should provide some reassurance.
First question: Was it really a rattlesnake that bit you? Look for the
distinctive triangle shaped head, the markings of the local species (Northern
Pacific and Great Basin Rattlesnakes), and the rattles on the tail. If you don't
know what they look like, get on the Internet or go to the library and find out.
Second question: Is it a dry bite? Up to 50 percent of rattlesnake bites are
"dry," where no venom is injected. In these bites, there are only puncture
wounds and no effects of venom are noted. Venom effects include pain and local
tenderness, redness, swelling, bruising, blistering of the skin, persistent
bleeding or oozing of blood, rapid heartbeat, lethargy, muscle twitching and
fainting. The effects of venom usually start within a few minutes, but may take
hours in mild envenomations.
Any rattlesnake bite (even if you think it is dry) warrants medical
attention. With medical care and antivenin, even severe envenomations are easily
treated and survivable. This is one of the few wilderness emergencies you really
can't do much for in the field -- pack it up and head for the nearest hospital.
In the meantime, remove all rings, jewelry and constricting clothing, as
there will be swelling. Remember the 3 Rs: Avoid excessive use of the affected
extremity (REST); REASSURE the victim/yourself that rattlesnake bites are
survivable and easily treated; and RAPIDLY transport the victim to the nearest
medical care.
Don't try to use a tourniquet to cut off blood flow to the area, although a
lightly constricting band may be helpful in preventing venom spread through the
lymphatic. Don't cool the bite, don't use electric shocks on the bite and don't
drink alcohol. Don't use topical disinfectants on the bite -- the issue in
rattlesnake bites is not infection but rather venom.
The once popular snake-bite kits are largely ineffective, and may cause more
harm than good, although the "Sawyer Extractor" (www.sawyerproducts.com) has
been shown to have some benefit in snake bites.
The good news is that with the advances in medicine available and the
excellent antivenin we now have, overall mortality from rattlesnake bites
treated with antivenin is less than 0.3 percent (compared to the 5 to 35 percent
that it used to be), so don't get rattled.
