The snakebite

Most snakes; really most, try to stay away from humans. Just think, if you were his size, would you stay away from someone 10 times your size? Snakes only attack when they feel threatened. If you stay out of their way, they will stay out of yours. Even if you are bit by some scared-to-death snake, the chances that its poisonous are slim.

Symptoms: A snake bites you and it hurts.

First Aid: First thing's first, get away from the snake. It does no good when you try to suck out the venom when the snake is injecting more into the poor helpless victim. Next, help the victim lie down, and loosen the clothing. Calm the victim down. If the venom has reached a blood vain, and the victim is yelling and screaming, its going to spread the poison through his body much faster. Next, put a constricting band 2 to 4 inches above the bite. This is to slow the spread of the venom. You should be able to get two fingers under the constricting band, don't make it any tighter. Treat the victim for shock, and get medical help immediately. If you have a snakebite kit, you will be able to "suck" out a lot of venom through the pump, if it is used quickly.

Prevention: As said before, "If you leave the snake alone, it will leave you alone". Although, on some rare occasions, this cannot be helped. Because snakes crawl on the ground, they will mostly strike at the ankles and feet. Wearing high heeled boots, and paints will help reduce the venom received.