Perhaps somewhat frightening to hear is that Americans incur 6,000+ snakebites every year.
The good news is that according to The American Family Physician, fewer than 12 of these (0.25 percent) have fatalistic snake venom poisoning consequences.
That said, most people don’t know the difference between a fatalistic bite and a less dangerous snakebite. That is why it is essential that if one is bitten, they follow this set of established guidelines.
First, if you’re outside, get inside as quickly as possible. Limit use of the bitten area as much as possible. Next, figure out how to get to the ER to get assessed and treated. Most emergency room physicians – such as Dr. Josyann Abisaab who works at the New York-Presbyterian Hospital – have encountered many snakebites and will be able to administer the correct course of treatment.
