If you or a companion is bitten, the Mayo Clinic advises:

• Move a safe distance away from the snake.
  
• Call 911 immediately.
  
• While waiting for medical help, stay calm and position the body so that the bite is at or below heart level.
  
• Remove jewelry or tight clothing before swelling starts.
  
• DO NOT apply ice or a tourniquet on or near the bite.
  
• DO NOT cut the wound or attempt to suck out the venom.
  
• DO NOT drink caffeine or alcohol, which could speed the body’s absorption of venom.
  

They probably could omit that first guidance. I wouldn't plan on hanging out and asking how that mfer's day is going.

I would be cutting and sucking and tying off so blood won't circulate. I've seen a lot of Westerns.

(02-12-2025, 08:54 AM)Replying to Top Row Dawg I would be cutting and sucking and tying off so blood won't circulate. I've seen a lot of Westerns.

That was SOP first aid growing up and in the Boy Scout manual as well.

I've heard the changed the treatment protocols some time back. That's going against what the Boy Scouts taught for decades.

I carried a snake bite kit in my backpack when I did a 2 week hike through the Smokies on the AT back in high school and kept it with my camping/fishing supplies until the rubber suction cup in the kit dry rotted. Never had to use it.

One of the guys on the hike did kill a small copperhead (about 12" long) with a hatchet while on the AT trip. It was right outside the latrine at one of the trail shelters.

As a young boy, I had one of these so I know the cutting and sucking is the correct response. 

shoot him/

(02-12-2025, 09:28 AM)Replying to JC-DAWG83 As a young boy, I had one of these so I know the cutting and sucking is the correct response. 

That’s the one!

(02-12-2025, 08:39 AM)Replying to dncdawg They probably could omit that first guidance.  I wouldn't plan on hanging out and asking how that mfer's day is going.

good plan but put down your beer and/or flask