Hunter-Ed Certification Practice Exam

The best method for treating a snakebite involves keeping the victim calm and seeking immediate medical attention. When a snakebite occurs, the body naturally responds with panic and increased heart rate, which can cause the venom to spread more rapidly through the bloodstream. By keeping the victim calm, you help minimize this physiological response, allowing for more time to obtain appropriate medical care.

Transporting the victim to a hospital is crucial because medical professionals can provide specialized treatment, which may include antivenom, monitoring for symptoms, and further medical intervention if needed. Quick medical assistance is vital as snake venom can lead to serious complications, and timely administration of antivenom can help prevent further harm.

Other options, such as applying ice, using a tourniquet, or making incisions, are outdated and potentially harmful methods. Applying ice can lead to tissue damage, while a tourniquet can cut off blood flow, resulting in more severe injury to the limb. Making an incision at the bite site can also introduce infection and doesn’t effectively remove venom from the body. Therefore, the recommended response to a snakebite focuses on victim stabilization and swift medical care.