Get Medical Help ASAP
Your location and other factors will influence exactly how you go about this step, so we’ll discuss your two best options starting with the best case scenario first.
Ideally, your best course of action is to call 911 and wait for them to come to you.
This will allow the bite victim to rest comfortably, keeping his or her heart rate down, as first responders do the leg work.
If you must move the victim, the less exertion they go through the better. This means, if possible, carry them on a stretcher or even over a shoulder.
If you have a group of people, this is a great course of action. If it’s just the two of you (or if you are the victim), the carry-out plan is pretty unrealistic.
Plan C is to simply hoof it on foot. If this is the only feasible option, do your best to immobilize the bite area. Splints and slings are good options here. The less movement and muscle contractions, the better you can prevent the venom from spreading.
On that note, here are some very important DON’Ts…
Photo: AFPMB, Flickr