While the venom affects the Nervous System, I believe it "travels" through the Lymphatic System.
Remaining calm is the best thing while waiting for professional help. Currently about 8,000 people per year in the U.S. are bitten by a poisonous snake. Out of these 8,000 people, only about 6 will die each year from the bite.
In about 30% of poisonous snake bites, no venom is injected at all. These are considered "dry bites". You'll know if venom was injected as the fang marks will begin to burn and hurt within 5 minutes and swell within 30 minutes.
First aid:
Transportation Go to the nearest hospital emergency room as rapidly as possible. The most important part of therapy is antivenin, and it should be given within 4 hours. Lie quietly in transit to reduce absorption of venom. If the bite is on the arm, remove any rings or bracelets before swelling occurs.
Antivenin The most important treatment for poisonous snakebites is going to a hospital emergency department as fast as possible so you can receive appropriate antivenin and other emergency treatment. Using a tourniquet should not be used. Cutting incisions over the fang marks and applying suction is no longer recommended because it is not effective.
Lymphatic band for bites on arm or leg As Wildman suggested, this should be left in the hands of the professionals. If you are more than 60 minutes from any help, you can put a lymphatic constriction band between the bite and the heart, at least 2 inches above the bite. A lymphatic band stops lymph flow through the lymph vessels. Use a wide band such as an elastic wrap or stocking. Make it loose enough to easily slip 1 finger under it. It should not stop blood flow in the veins or arteries. If the veins stand out, the band is too tight. If the hand or foot turns white or the pulse disappears, the band is much too tight.
Never put ice on the area of the bite because ice can cause frostbite, which increases the risk of damage to the skin.
Bottom Line:Remain calm, call 911.
Remember, Rattlesnakes are not aggressive and only strike as a defense mechanism.
Spring is a very dangerous time because they are shedding and can't see as well. They lash out at anything they perceive as a threat. I've run into countless of rattlesnakes, even almost stepping on them, and NONE of them have even as much as struck at me. I give them space and they quickly leave. They don't want any part of you anymore than you want any part of them.
They do have a place in the order of things. They'll help control the current rat problem that Wrightwood is currently facing.
