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This page is educational and does not replace professional medical care.
Snake bite first aid
If you or someone near you is bitten by a snake, every minute counts. Follow these steps and get professional help immediately.
✓ Do
- Move away from the snake — it can strike again. Get to safety.
- Stay as calm and still as possible to slow venom spread.
- Call your local emergency number (911 in the US) or Poison Control (1-800-222-1222) immediately.
- Note the time of the bite and the snake's appearance (a photo from a safe distance helps).
- Remove rings, watches and tight clothing before swelling starts.
- Keep the bitten area still and at or slightly below heart level.
- Let the wound bleed slightly and cover it with a clean, dry dressing.
✕ Don't
- Don't cut the wound or try to suck out the venom.
- Don't apply a tourniquet or tightly constricting band.
- Don't apply ice or immerse the limb in water.
- Don't drink alcohol or caffeine.
- Don't take pain relievers like aspirin or ibuprofen (they thin blood).
- Don't try to catch or kill the snake — it wastes critical time.
- Don't wait to 'see if it gets worse' — get medical help right away.
Identify the snake — safely
Knowing the species helps doctors choose the right antivenom — but never put yourself at risk to get a photo or capture the snake. If you already have a clear picture taken from a safe distance, our identifier can suggest the species and its venom profile in seconds.
Identify the snake from a photoSnake bite questions
How long do you have after a venomous snake bite?+
Get medical care as fast as possible — ideally within 30 minutes, though antivenom can still help hours later. Symptoms vary by species: pit viper bites cause swelling and tissue damage, while coral snake and cobra bites can cause delayed neurological symptoms. Never wait for symptoms before seeking help.
Should I use a snake bite kit or suction device?+
No. Modern medical guidance advises against suction devices, cutting, and tourniquets — they don't remove meaningful venom and often cause additional harm. The best first aid is to stay calm, keep the limb still, and get to a hospital with antivenom.
What if I'm not sure the snake was venomous?+
Treat every bite as potentially venomous and seek medical evaluation. Even 'dry' bites and bites from non-venomous snakes can become infected. When in doubt, call Poison Control or emergency services.
Disclaimer: Identify Snakes provides general educational information only and is not medical advice. Always follow the guidance of emergency services and medical professionals. Protocols can vary by region and snake species.