EMERGENCY TREATMENT

Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake Pigmy Rattlesnake Canebrake Rattlesnake

IDENTIFICATIONOF PIT VIPERS

(Rattlesnakes, Copperhead,Cottonmouth)

Pupils elliptical, sensory pit presentbetween nostril and eye, scales on

underside of tail are single row.Copperhead Cottonmouth (Water Moccasin)*

IDENTIFICATIONOF

CORAL SNAKESRed and yellow rings touch

(every other ring yellow). Similarnon-venomous species, such asthe Scarlet King Snake, have redand black rings touching (every

other ring black) and can beconfused with Coral Snake.

Coral Snake Non-Venomous Scarlet King Snake

Call the Florida Poison Information Centerfor consultation with a toxicologist andfor instructions on the use of antivenin.

✔ Calm and reassure the victim

✔ Remove jewelry or tight clothescovering bitten extremity

✔ Immobilize extremity if possible

✔ Keep bitten area at or below heart level

✔ Wash gently

✔ Seek medical attention as soon aspossible

✔ Be prepared to treat for shock

✘ Don’t feed the victim

✘ Don’t place ice on bitten extremity

✘ Don’t make cuts around bitten area

✘ Don’t apply a tourniquet

Do

Don’tSupported by Project #H4B MC 00063-01 from the Maternaland Child Health Bureau (Title V, Social Security Act), HealthResources and Services Administration, Department ofHealth and Human Service.

The Florida Poison Information Center Network is funded bythe State of Florida, Department of Health/Children’s MedicalServices. Centers in Jacksonville, Miami and Tampa

*Photo Credit: Carolyn Insall, Central Texas Poison Center