Should I travel to the hospital by car after a bite?

Transportation Precautions

If you’ve been bitten by a venomous snake, it’s crucial to prioritize your safety while traveling to the hospital. Avoid driving if you’re experiencing severe symptoms such as difficulty breathing, rapid heartbeat, or numbness in your extremities. If you must drive, keep your windows rolled up and your doors locked to prevent further envenoming.

Roadside First Aid

While en route to the hospital, keep the bitten limb below heart level to slow down the spread of venom. Remove any constricting items like rings or watches, and avoid applying a tourniquet, which can cause further harm. Clean the wound with soap and water, but avoid using any topical treatments or cold compresses.

Emergency Response

If you’re with someone, have them call the local emergency number for assistance while you remain in the vehicle. If you’re alone, try to call for help or send a message to a trusted individual. Keep the phone line open and provide your location to the emergency operator. Drive carefully to the hospital, and upon arrival, inform the staff of the incident and provide as much information as possible about the snake species.