Health Watch is a Public Service of the Office of News and Publications and is intended to provide general information only and should not replace the advice of a medical professional. You should contact your physician if you have questions about any of these topics.
This week on Health Watch, we’re talking about dangers you may face outdoors in summer time, including snakes, bugs and pollen. Previously, we mentioned how to avoid snakes. If you’re bitten by a snake, you need to get to an emergency room immediately.
Dr. Kurt Kleinschmidt, an emergency medicine expert at UT Southwestern Medical Center, says there are some things you need to do for a snake bite victim on the way to the emergency room. First, you need to stay calm. If you saw the snake, try to remember what it looked like, but don’t try to catch it because it can bite again. Remove any jewelry or tight clothing from the affected area before swelling starts. If possible, wash the wound area with soap and water, and keep the bitten limb below the heart. In spite of what you see in movies, don’t make cuts across the wound or apply a tourniquet, and don’t put ice or cold packs on the bite.
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July 2007
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