News 40 Health Reports: Managing snakebites

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – They sun themselves on rocks and slumber under plants. 

And there’s a chance you’ll see one at some point this summer…because in Kentucky, snakes are nearly everywhere.

Dr. Shea Inman, an emergency physician at Tristar Greenview Regional Hospital’s emergency department, says every snakebite should be treated medically, regardless of the type of snake. That means getting to an emergency department as soon as possible. And, in the meantime, keep the bite at the level of your heart or below. Also, since snake bites tend to cause swelling, Dr. Inman advises removing anything near the bite that could become tight, such as watches, rings or boots. And don’t apply a tourniquet.

And if you were ever told to catch the snake and bring it into the emergency department to match up the right antivenom, Dr. Inman says that’s simply not necessary. He says getting safely away from the snake and getting to the emergency department quickly is the key to survival.

But the best advice when it comes to snakes…keep your distance when you can, since snakes usually don’t come looking for a fight.