What is appropriate first aid treatment for coral snake bites?
DO • Contact the Poison Center immediately 1 (800) 222-1222. • Call EMS or go to an Emergency Department immediately. • Take a photograph of snake if possible or get good description of snake to provide to Poison Control, Emergency Medical Services, or Emergency Department Personnel. • Rest the envenomated limb lower than the heart. • Wash bite with soap and water to remove venom on skin surface. • Remove all jewelry and constrictive clothing from the extremity. DO NOT • Attempt to capture or kill snake, which may lead to additional bites. • Apply arterial or venous tourniquets which may cause a build up of toxins which when released. • Incise the bite and attempt to suck out venom. • Use electrical shock-not proven as a treatment in envenomation. • Apply commercial snakebite venom extractors-shown to be of no benefit in removing adequate amounts of venom.
