If you are bitten by a snake, stay calm and follow the following steps to reduce the risk of poisoning and complications:

Do not panic, because increased heart rate can spread the venom faster.Keep the bitten area still and ideally positioned lower than the heart.

Dial 911 (or your local emergency number) to get medical help as soon as possible. If someone is with you, ask them to call for help and assist you in getting to a hospital.

If it is safe to do so, try to remember the snake’s appearance or take a photo to help doctors identify the species and provide the correct treatment. Read more below