Treatment of Rattlesnake Bites

Course overview

Rattlesnake bites are uncommon in the U.S., but healthcare providers should have basic knowledge on the proper treatment of patients who have been bitten by a rattlesnake. Death from a rattlesnake bite is rare, but victims can suffer significant toxic effects, loss of function, disfigurement, or even amputation. Healthcare professionals as a team need to monitor snakebite victims closely, even when they appear to be out of danger, and use the expertise available from local poison control centers.