Even if you’re not sure if you were bitten by a rattlesnake, it’s important to go to the hospital immediately. It’s better to be at the hospital if you start to exhibit symptoms of the venom entering your body.
Of course, if you are alone, it is more important to find help than to stay immobile.
To make an arm sling, make a triangle out of fabric by folding it or cutting it. Wrap the triangle around the arm with the elbow at the middle point. Your arm or the person’s arm should be bent at the elbow to fit into the sling. Tie the other two ends together around the shoulder. Let the hand stick out at the base of the triangle. Find items to support the limb, such as sticks, rolled-up newspapers, or even rolled-up fabric. Lay the supports alongside the limb, trying to incorporate a joint above and below the wound. Secure the supports to the limb with whatever you have on hand, from belts to tape to bandages. Don’t wrap around the wound; wrap on either side of it. If the wound swells too much, you may need to decrease the pressure of the splint.
If you’re the one who’s been bitten, try to remain calm. Take a few slow, deep breaths to help soothe your nerves. You can also call Poison Control services while you wait.
Another indication of a venomous snakebite is one to two puncture wounds rather than a row of small punctures, indicating smaller teeth. Dizziness, pain at the site, blurred vision, and prickling in other parts of the body are also signs of a venomous bite, as well as heavy sweating.
If the person starts to go into shock, lay them down on their back, raising their feet up at least a foot. Also, keep the person warm by wrapping them in a blanket or an extra layer of clothing. Start CPR if the person does not show signs of life, such as breathing, coughing or movement.
In fact, within 15 minutes, the venom has already entered the lymphatic system, so sucking after this point is useless.
