Snakes bites - Appalachian Trail

imported
#1

A couple of weeks ago my local newspaper stated in a article that the old conventional way of dealing with a venomous snake bite is out!..they said not to use suction to withdraw the venom or use a tourniquet…So got any suggestions on what to do when on a mountain top and you get bit??

Chairman

#2

Chairman,

  • Wash the bite with soap and water.
  • Immobilize the bitten area and keep it lower than the heart.
  • Get medical help.

In truth there’s no clear consensus, see:

http://www.fda.gov/fdac/features/995_snakes.html

Brian Osborne