People who frequent wilderness areas, camp, hike, or picnic should be aware of the potential dangers posed by venomous snakes. Even a bite from a harmless snake can cause infection or allergic reaction in some people.

PREVENTION
Some bites, such as those when you accidentally step on a snake in the woods, are nearly impossible to prevent. A snake may bite when it is suprised or feels traped. There are precautions that can reduce your chances of being bitten by a snake:
Leave snakes alone. Do not try to kill a snake or get too close to it.
Stay out of tall grass unless you wear thick leather boots.
Keep hands and feet out of areas you cannot see.
Do not pick up rocks or firewood unless you are out of a snake's striking distance.

SIGNS
The following are the most common symptoms of poisonous snake bites: bloody wound discharge, fang marks in the skin, pain and swelling around the bite, diarrhea, burning, convulsions, fainting, dizziness, weakness, blurred vision, excessive sweating, fever, increased thirst, loss of muscle coordination, nausea and vomiting, numbness and tingling and rapid pulse.

FIRST AID
CALL IMMEDIATELY FOR EMERGENCY MEDICAL ASSISTANCE OR
GO TO THE HOSPITAL!

While waiting for emergency assistance:
Keep the victim calm, lying down, and with the bitten arm or leg below the level of his heart to slow the blood flowing from the wound to the heart.
Wash the bite with soap and water.
Immobilize the bitten area and keep it lower than the heart.
Cover the area with a clean, cool compress or a moist dressing to minimize swelling and discomfort.
Monitor vital signs.

DO NOT allow the victim to become over-exerted. If necessary, carry the victim to safety.
DO NOT apply a tourniquet.
DO NOT apply cold compresses to a snake bite.
DO NOT cut into a snake bite with a knife or razor.
DO NOT try to suction the venom by mouth.
DO NOT give the victim stimulants or pain medications unless instructed to do so by a doctor.
DO NOT give the victim anything by mouth.
DO NOT raise the site of the bite above the level of the victim's heart.

If a victim is unable to reach medical care within 30 minutes:
Apply a bandage, wrapped two to four inches above the bite, to help slow the venom. This should not cut off the flow of blood from a vein or artery - the band should be loose enough to slip a finger under it.
A suction device can be placed over the bite to help draw venom out of the wound without making cuts. These devices are often included in commercial snake bite kits.