First and foremost, take a moment to breathe deeply and remain calm. In most cases, snake bites are more shocking than harmful. The majority of nonvenomous bites result in minor pain and often do not break the skin.

Most snake bites are defensive in nature, where the snake bites and then quickly retreats. Snakes have no intention of eating humans, although they may mistake them for prey like rodents. In such cases, the snake is likely to hold on and not let go (it can be amusing to observe a ball python or corn snake attempting to “eat” your thumb, only to realize it’s too large).

Venomous snakes typically release their bite, regardless of the situation, while nonvenomous snakes need to be removed.

However, it’s important not to forcefully rip the snake off.

(Attached is a photo of a reticulated python skull.)

Most, if not all, nonvenomous snakes have several rows of razor-sharp, curved teeth. But don’t let that terrify you. These teeth create several relatively “clean” puncture wounds. Their teeth are designed to grip their prey, unlike a dog’s teeth that are meant for tearing flesh from bone.

If you are bitten by a large python, you may experience significant bleeding and pain. Your surroundings may resemble a crime scene. But despite all this, you are not in immediate danger (assuming the snake isn’t constricting your neck or chest, which is why it’s essential to have two people when handling large snakes).

A bite from a large constrictor is the worst-case scenario for a nonvenomous bite. Simply relax (though it’s challenging, I understand) and assess the situation. Encourage the snake to let go by pouring a small amount of mouthwash or hard liquor into its mouth. Do not use force, as it may cause harm to yourself and potentially remove some of the snake’s teeth.

Once the snake releases its grip, secure it back in its enclosure. Then, go to the kitchen or bathroom and rinse the bite thoroughly with running water. This will help flush out bacteria and debris. Dry the bite using sterile gauze, rinse with an antiseptic solution (preferably one containing lidocaine), and apply antibiotic ointment using a sterile cotton applicator. Cover the bite with a non-adherent surgical dressing, which is a thin piece of petroleum jelly-soaked plastic mesh that prevents the gauze from sticking to the wound. Finally, dress the bite with sterile gauze to absorb any blood and secure it with medical tape (cloth tape is recommended). Take ibuprofen (Motrin) for pain relief, apply ice, and elevate the bite to reduce swelling. If it has been more than five years since your last tetanus booster, visit your local pharmacy for a booster shot. Monitor the bite for any signs of localized infection and seek medical attention if one develops.

If you start feeling faint, dress the bite and lie down for a few minutes. This fainting sensation, known as vasovagal syncope, is experienced by some people when injured. It is generally not dangerous, although losing consciousness while driving is a different matter.

Apart from salmonella (which would require ingesting the snake’s feces), tetanus (possible with any puncture wound), and localized infections, there are no transmissible diseases from snakes.

Venomous bites require immediate medical attention to minimize damage. Stay calm, call an ambulance, and follow the same steps for dressing the bite (excluding ibuprofen). If you are healthy and not allergic, it will take several hours to several days for a venomous bite to become life-threatening. While it is an emergency, the likelihood of death is low.