Myth: Treat a poisonous snake bite by cutting the wound and sucking out the venom.

Answer: Wrong! Do not cut the wound, do not attempt to suck out the venom, do not apply ice, do not apply a tourniquet and do not use electric shock. Wash the wound. Keep bitten part still and lower than the heart. Call 9-1-1 or local emergency number immediately. If professional medical care is not accessible within 30 minutes, consider suctioning the wound using a snake bite kit. People at-risk of snake bites (those in the wild and away from medical care) should carry a snake bite kit, available at camping and wilderness equipment stores and know how to use its contents.

General Camping Safety