Emergency Care

Emergency treatment for snake bites

Fortunately, most snake bites come from nonvenomous snakes. For nonvenomous snake bites, Goshen Hospital Emergency Department provides around-the-clock care. Even if you don’t know if a snake is venomous, you should still seek emergency treatment. Visit our emergency room to have a snake bite in Goshen, IN, evaluated.

We’re equipped with experienced staff and the right tools to treat bites and stings. We provide communities in Elkhart County with exceptional emergency treatment to heal your condition or stabilize you until you get the care you need.

Signs of a venomous snake bite

A nonvenomous snake bite presents symptoms that range from minor wounds to torn skin. Injury from a venomous snake bite has additional signs and symptoms, such as:

Call 911 or visit the nearest emergency room if you or someone with you experiences the symptoms above.

Protecting yourself and others from snake bites

Venomous snake bites are not common in the U.S. It’s still important to be aware and familiar with the types of snakes that deliver venomous bites, including:

  • Rattlesnakes
  • Copperheads
  • Cottonmouths or water moccasins
  • Coral snakes

Except for coral snakes, these snakes have a similar look of slit eyes, triangular heads and indentations on each side of their head.

Bit by a snake? First aid treatment for a snake bite

After calling for emergency help, follow these first aid tips to stabilize a snake bite until medical help arrives:

  • Remain calm and remove tight jewelry and clothing in case of swelling.
  • Position the bite site below the level of the heart to minimize blood flow.
  • Cover the bite with a clean, dry dressing.
  • Do not cut the bite with a knife or suck out the venom.
  • Do not use a tourniquet or apply cold compresses.
  • Do not give anything by mouth including caffeine, alcohol or medications.

We’re here 24/7 to tend to your snake bite. Visit Goshen Hospital Emergency Department when you need emergency treatment.

Goshen Hospital Emergency Department provides expert care for snake bites in Goshen, IN.