You have a copperhead snake bite & no cell service in Ohio. Here’s how to survive
Snake season is upon us, so if you come across a copperhead this time of year, you probably aren’t alone. However, if you get bitten by one, that’s a different story. And it is even more urgent if you are unable to get cell service right away to call for help.
So, will you survive on your own until help arrives? Here’s what to do:
Identify the snake
Copperhead snakes have various brown markings and are easily camouflaged in wooded areas. “They are thick snakes with keeled scales. The background color is some shade of tan or brown, with darker brown hourglass or ‘Hershey’s Kiss’ shapes overlaid.”
All in all, note the color of the snake and markings. Also, note the time that the bite happened. If your camera still has power, take a photo of the snake to confirm the species once you’re rescued.
Remove constrictive items
“Stay still and calm,” Mayo Clinic experts said. “Remove any jewelry, watches or tight clothing before swelling starts.”
Clean it & remain neutral
If you can, wash the bite with soap and water and get a clean, dry dressing on the area. Another tip is to sit or lie down and make the bite level with the heart.
Don’t do these things
The Mayo Clinic advises against the following:
- Don’t use a tourniquet or apply ice.
- Don’t cut the bite or try to remove the venom.
- Don’t drink caffeine or alcohol.
- Don’t take pain-relieving medicine, such as aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) or naproxen sodium (Aleve). Doing so can increase your risk of bleeding.
- Don’t try to catch or trap the snake.
Check your phone again
If you have an iPhone 14 or later, you may be able to get help using the emergency SOS setting. Here’s how it works:
First, try calling the local emergency number to reach emergency services. Even if your normal cellular carrier network isn’t available, you might be able to make the call.
If your call won’t connect, you can text emergency services via satellite. Certain local emergency numbers require iOS 16.4 or later to connect to emergency services via satellite.
- Tap Emergency Text via Satellite.
- If you need help but aren’t in an emergency, you can choose to contact a roadside assistance provider.
- You can also go to Messages to text the local emergency number, then tap Emergency Services.
Tap Report Emergency.
Using simple taps, answer the emergency questions to best describe your situation.
Get to a hospital as soon as you can
“Many emergency rooms have antivenom drugs, which may help you,” according to the Mayo Clinic.
Have more questions? Let me know in the comments or email me at cmadden@mcclatchy.com
