Generally speaking, snake venoms are divided into two broad categories, neurotoxic and hemorrhagic, depending on their destructive actions. Neurotoxic poison is characteristic of cobras and coral snakes and produces considerable pain but little or no swelling and discoloration at the bite. Death from this type of poison is the result of respiratory failure and is preceded by such symptoms as headache, muscular weakness, lethargy and facial paralysis with accompanying difficulty in speech.

Hemorrhagic venom, on the other hand, affects primarily the blood cells and vessels. Local reaction is evident soon after injection of the venom and consists of pain, discoloration, and swelling at the site of the bite. All of these symptoms gradually become more extensive. Weakness, nausea, vomiting and—occasionally—diarrhea may follow in a few hours. In many cases of snake bite, shock is present.

Although every snake’s venom contains both the neurotoxic and hemorrhagic elements, the proportion of these components varies with each kind of poisonous snake. For example, the venom of the coral snake is primarily neurotoxic in action, but produces a small hemorrhagic effect as well. On the other hand, water moccasin venom, although basically hemorrhagic in action, has a greater amount of the neurotoxic element than do the poisons of the copperheads or rattlesnakes. Furthermore, neurotoxic effects are more evident following the bites of the Mojave and massasauga rattlers than they are in poisonings by other Texas rattlesnakes.

Equipment necessary for first aid treatment of snake bite includes a sharp cutting instrument such as a razor blade or sharp knife for making incisions, a constricting band to retard the flow of lymph, iodine or alcohol for sterilizing the knife and bitten area, and a suction device for removing the venom-contaminated lymph. This last item is especially important if you are alone and cannot reach the wound to apply suction by mouth.

Snake bite kits containing the essential items can be purchased at most drug or sporting goods stores at a cost of from two to five dollars, depending upon the make. Anyone who spends much time outdoors should carry a snake bite kit at all times, and he should know how to use it. A smaller kit can be more easily carried and is less likely to be left at home or in the car.