Snakebite Emergency
Evidence-Based Guidance
These first-aid protocols are based on guidelines from the CDC and the World Health Organization (WHO).
Last reviewed: May 2026
What to do
- Call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
- Keep the bitten person calm and as still as possible.
- Remove rings, watches, and tight clothing near the bite.
- Keep the bite below heart level if possible.
- Note the time of the bite and the snake's appearance.
What NOT to do
- Do NOT apply a tourniquet or tight bandage.
- Do NOT cut the wound or try to suck out venom.
- Do NOT apply ice or immerse in water.
- Do NOT give the person alcohol or caffeine.
- Do NOT attempt to catch or kill the snake.
Nearest antivenom hospitals
Call Poison Control first: 1-800-222-1222 (US)
They can call ahead to confirm which nearby hospital actually stocks antivenom right now — hospitals themselves often can't tell you over the phone.
Hospital results come from Google Maps Platform. "Likely to stock" is a heuristic based on the facility name — it is not confirmation. Community confirmations are user-submitted; antivenom stock changes daily. Always let Poison Control (1-800-222-1222) confirm ahead of arrival.
FangCheck does not verify antivenom stock. Call ahead when possible, or dial 911.
Source: U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) & World Health Organization (WHO) snakebite first-aid guidance. Last updated: May 2026. This guidance works offline.