1. Note the Snake’s Appearance
Be ready to describe the snake to emergency staff.
2. Protect the Person
While waiting for medical help:

Move the person beyond striking distance of the snake.
Have the person lie down with wound below the heart.
Keep the person calm and at rest, remaining as still as possible to keep venom from spreading.
Cover the wound with loose, sterile bandage.
Remove any jewelry from the area that was bitten.
Remove shoes if the leg or foot was bitten.

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Do not:

Cut a bite wound
Attempt to suck out venom
Apply tourniquet, ice, or water
Give the person alcohol or caffeinated drinks or any other medications
3. Follow Up
If you treat the bite at home:

Contact a health care provider. The person may need a tetanus shot. Tetanus boosters should be given every 10 years.
At the hospital, treatment will depend on the type of snake.

If the snake was venomous, the person will be given anti-venom treatment.
A tetanus shot may be given, depending on date of last injection.