(Note: Give first aid as needed.)

Self-Care / First Aid

For Poisonous Snake Bites Before Medical Care

Carefully move the person away from the snake. Calm the person. Have him or her rest. Moving about can help spread the venom.

Gently wash the bite area with soap and water. Keep the limb of the bite site level with the heart (or just below this). Apply a splint to the limb of the bite site to keep it from moving.

Being careful, note, if you can, the shape of the snakes eyes, pupils, and head, the colors it is, and if it has rattles.

Don't try to kill the snake, cut the fang mark, or suck out the venom.

Don't apply a tourniquet, a bandage, or ice to the bite.

For Non-Poisonous Snake Bites

Gently wash the site with soap and water.

Treat the bite as a minor wound. (See For Minor Cuts and Scrapes.)

If you notice signs of an infection, call your doctor.

For Poisonous Spider Bites Until Emergency Care Arrives

Perform rescue breathing, if needed. (See Rescue Breath.)

If you can, keep the bitten area lower than the level of the heart.

Calm the person and keep him or her warm.

Gently clean the site of the bite with soap and water or rubbing alcohol.

Put an ice pack over the bite site for pain relief.

If you can, catch the spider in a closed container to show what kind it is.

For Poisonous Spider and Scorpion Bites Before Medical Care

Do rescue breathing, if needed.

If you can, keep the bitten area lower than the level of the heart.

Calm the victim and keep him or her warm.

Gently clean the site of the bite with soap and water or rubbing alcohol.

Put an ice pack over the bite site to relieve pain.

If you can, catch the spider in a closed container to show the doctor.

Get emergency care!