Medical
Snakebite or dangerous stings
Pit viper, black widow, brown recluse, scorpion, bees, or fire ants.
Do this nowTap each step when done
- 1Move away from the animal and move the victim away.
- 2Call 911 or Poison Help: 1-800-222-1222.
- 3Keep them still and calm. They shouldn't walk; someone else drives.
- 4Remove rings and tight clothing before it swells.
- 5Snake: limb at heart level, immobile.
- 6Mark the edge of the swelling and the time every 15–30 minutes.
- 7Bees: run in a straight line to a car or building. Scrape off the stingers.
Don't
- Don't apply a tourniquet or tight bands.
- Don't cut or suck the bite.
- Snake: don't apply ice.
- Don't try to catch or kill the snake.
Have ready
- Poison Help 1-800-222-1222 saved in your phone.
- Pen to mark the swelling.
- Card to scrape off stingers.
- Auto-injector if someone is allergic.
Key factDon't wait for symptoms: every bite from a pit viper or coral snake goes to the hospital. Widespread hives, facial swelling, or shortness of breath: 911.
More detail
Reviewed: Nov 2026 · Sources: Chapter 7 · First Aid
