TEXAS SNAKESAuthored by Steve Blanchard, EMT-P

Health Services OfficerTX-129th Fort Worth Senior SquadronFor Local Training Rev 1.0 2-Apr-13

DISCLAIMER

The following presentation is for the purpose of personal information only and is not to be construed as a prescribed

course of treatment for any health or medical condition or situation.

If you are not a trained, certified or licensed Health Professional operating within your scope of training, always

immediately seek professional medical assistance and guidance before taking any course of action.

 If you encounter an emergency medical situation, always

know how to contact the Emergency Medical Services provider (911, Fire, Ambulance, Police) for your geographic

location and do so immediately!

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TEXAS SNAKES

There is roughly 68 different types of snakes in Texas. Of those, two types are venomous.

Pit Vipers and the Coral Snake.

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Pit Vipers

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Copper Head

Region: West, Mid, East

Habitat: Dry, Desert

Length: 1¾ – 4 Feet

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Cottonmouth (Water Moccasin)

Region: Central, East

Habitat: Marshes, Ponds, Lakes

Length: 2 – 4 Feet

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Western Diamondback Rattler

Region: All but East

Habitat: Prairies, Desert, Rugged Terrain

Length: 3 – 7 Feet

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Massasauga Rattler

Region: East

Habitat: Marsh, Swamps, Grasslands

Length: 1½ – 2½ Feet

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Timber Rattler

Region: Central, East

Habitat: Forrests, Rugged Terrain

Length: 2¾ – 5 Feet

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Western Pigmy Rattler

Region: East

Habitat: Near Water, Leaf Litter

Length: 14 – 22 Inches

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Texas Coral

Region: Mid, South, East

Habitat: Humid Areas, Moist Vegetation

Length: 2 – 4 Feet

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Common Symptoms of Bites

DizzinessConvulsions

Rapid Heart RateLocalized Pain and Swelling

Numbness and TinglingMuscle ContractionsSkin Discoloration

Blurred VisionFang Marks

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What to do for a snake Bite

Move away from the snake.

If possible, take a picture of the snake but, DO NOT attempt to capture it.

Elevate area bitten above the level of the heart. Wash area with soap and water.

Call 911 if possible and let EMS come to you.If you can’t wait, limit movement of the Patient.

Notify the Hospital you are bringing in a snake bite.

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What NOT to do for a snake Bite

Do not attempt to suck the venom from wound.

Do not make cuts over the snake bite.It causes more tissue damage.

Do not apply a tourniquet.

Do not apply ice or cold pack.

Do not take pain relievers or antivenom, in the field unless directed by a Doctor.