Snake bites? Yes, there’s an app for that

Summer’s here, and with COVID-19 still surging in the US, more and more people are looking to get outside – and away from crowds.

Venturing off the beaten path may be one reason why emergency medical authorities are reporting higher number of snake bites than average: near Los Angeles and in the Bay Area, in Peoria and Phoenix, and in North Carolina, Texas, and Nevada.

No matter how prepared you may be – and we’ve outlined some general safety tips below – the panic and fear that arises in the moment of a snake bite can often send thoughts running. Fortunately, like everything else nowadays, there’s an easy-to-use app that can provide life-saving tips, tools, and resources for outdoor enthusiasts and the first responders who, in case of an emergency, will treat them.

The SnakeBite911 app:

• Educates users by providing facts and images about North American pit vipers and how to identify them – as well as how to avoid being bitten
• Searches for snakes that inhabit your state, so you know what to watch for
• Quickly dials 911 or the Poison Control Center
• Tracks the bite’s progression with a time-stamped venom tracker tool that includes reminders to capture venom progression, with the ability to add notes to photos taken through the app; taking a photo every 15 minutes will help the doctor make quicker treatment decisions upon arrival at the hospital
• Guides treatment with an interactive treatment algorithm for clinicians that helps assess the bite and direct treatment options dependent on the presence of listed symptoms
• Provides best practice steps for treatment and aftercare, including a checklist of actions to avoid when treating pit viper bites

General safety tips

Here’s a sneak peek into the educational offerings of the SnakeBite911 app.

Snakes do not intend to attack people or large animals; most snake bites occur if the snake feels threatened and therefore attempts to defend itself. So, if you’re heading outside…

1. DO NOT approach a snake if you see one. If you see a snake, back away slowly.
2. DO NOT attempt to kill a snake that strikes or bites you.
3. NEVER try to poke, handle, corner or harass a snake
4. Maintain a respectful distance: Stay at least 5 feet away from a snake if you see one
5. In known snake areas, wear long pants and boots to prevent snake bites on your legs, and protective gloves if grabbing things off of the ground.
6. Snakes often lay in high grass where they are often concealed from view. Keep your grass short and yards tidy.
7. Steer clear of long grasses, bushes and rocks where snakes may hide
8. NEVER leave food out as this attracts small animals which snakes often prey upon

What to do if bitten in the US

This does not constitute medical advice and does not replace a consultation with your doctor or emergency medicine clinician.

Call 911

Call 911 immediately.

Time is Tissue!

Delays in treatment can lead to further cellular damage, therefore get the bite victim to the Emergency Room, as quickly as possible!

Remove Constrictions

Remove their jewelry and any tight-fitting clothes, including shoes.

Take Photos to Track Venom Progression

Take a new photo every 15 minutes until you get to the Emergency Room, capturing the bite zone and any red swollen areas. This will help the doctor’s diagnosis on arrival at the Emergency Room.

Elevate Wound

Keep the bitten limb raised to the level of the heart (e.g. drape the arm over the chest).

Keep the victim as still as possible

Any unnecessary increase in heart rate can increase the rate at which the venom spreads.

For more information and to download the SnakeBite911 app, please visit:
https://crofab.com/crofab-resources/SnakeBite911/SnakeBite911