Snake And Lizard Bites: Emergencies
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Emergencies
Do you have any of the following symptoms that require emergency treatment? Call 911 or other emergency services immediately.
- Bite from a known or suspected poisonous snake or lizard
- Signs of shock:
- Moderate to severe breathing problems:
- Changes in level of consciousness, such as loss of consciousness, confusion, or extreme sleepiness
- Severe immediate pain with rapid swelling at the site of the bite
- Numbness or tingling at or near the bite site or around the mouth, tongue, scalp, or feet
- Drooling, slurred speech, or rapid swelling of the mouth, tongue, or throat
Note: Take the following immediate first aid steps after a suspected poisonous snake or lizard bite:
- Remain calm.
- Do not use any type of tourniquet.
- Do not use any type of extraction device.
- Keep the bitten extremity in a neutral position if possible. You do not need to raise it or lower it below the level of the heart.
| Last updated: | June 19, 2008 |
|---|---|
| Author: | Jan Nissl, RN, BS |
| Reviewed By: | William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine, Sean P. Bush, MD, FACEP - Emergency Medicine and Envenomation Specialist |
| Editors: | Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Tracy Landauer |
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