Maintain a Low Heart Rate [Part 1]
Keeping the victim as calm as possible is optimal in the event of a venomous snake bite. Panic and an accelerated heart rate will likely cause greater swelling and inflammation in affected areas.
Thus, anything you can do to calm the victim, or potentially yourself if you’ve been bitten, is worth a shot. Deep breathing, stillness, quiet, and distracting calm conversation are all valid techniques.
If you must travel…
Before attempting to walk to help, take a moment to sit quietly and allow the victim to relax as much as possible. This is no time for a cigarette or stimulants, even some pain killers like Excedrin contain stimulants. If needed, have the victim lay down, keeping the bite area immobilized and below the level of the victim’s heart.
When you do begin walking to get help, keep a relaxed pace. Immobilization is key, but do not use a tourniquet. In fact, make sure the bite area is free from any tight or restrictive clothing. If the snake did inject venom, swelling is a near certainty.