What to do if a copperhead bites you?

What to do if a copperhead bites you?

Lay or sit the person down with the bite below the level of the heart. Tell him/her to stay calm and still. Wash the wound with warm soapy water immediately. Cover the bite with a clean, dry dressing.

Do copperhead bites need treatment?

Although envenomation by a rattlesnake (Crotalus species) may require antivenom and uncommonly surgery, a bite by a copperhead (Agkistrodon contortrix) rarely requires any intervention other than observation. The unnecessary use of antivenom should be discouraged.

How long does it take for a copperhead bite to heal?

Even though copperhead envenomation is rarely fatal, virtually all patients experience pain and swelling of the envenomated limb [6,8-11]. Most patients recover and resume activities of daily living within 2–4 weeks, but in a minority of cases, residual symptoms last a year or more [10-12].

Is there an anti venom for copperhead bites?

Most patients bitten by copperhead snakes do not currently receive antivenom. Although ovine antivenom has been approved by the FDA for treatment of copperhead envenomation, copperhead victims were excluded from the previous clinical trials.

How painful is a copperhead snake bite?

Symptoms of copperhead snake bites These bites are usually very painful, but it’s extremely rare for a human to die from the bite. The most severe consequence of a copperhead bite is temporary tissue damage at the site of the snakebite.

How do you get rid of copperhead snakes?

Lay out traps and rodenticide baits to address rats and/or mice to take away the snake’s food supply. Use a snake repellent such as Snake Out around your yard and perimeter to ward off Copperhead Snakes and deter them from the area.

What do you do if a child is bitten by a copperhead?

When a snakebite occurs, you should:

1. Remain calm and reassure your child.
2. Move the child to a nearby safe area, away from the snake.
3. Call 911 for emergency help right away.
4. Have your child lie down and try to stay still.
5. Keep the bite area still and lower than the heart.
6. If possible, wash the area with soap and water.