Snakebite in Georgia — what should you do?

Rapid transport to a health facility is recommended for suspected venomous bites. In Georgia, 112 is the emergency dispatch number, not a general information line. Follow the dispatcher's instructions while help is arranged.

1. Move away from the snake to a safe place. Do not approach it again.
2. If the snake was venomous or you cannot identify it with confidence, call 112 in Georgia and describe what happened and where you are. Do not wait for symptoms.
3. Sit or lie somewhere safe, limit unnecessary movement, and keep the bitten arm or leg still in a comfortable position.
4. Remove rings, watches, bracelets, or tight clothing near the bite before swelling develops.
5. Arrange prompt medical assessment. Do not drive yourself if possible; dizziness or fainting can occur.

These methods can cause harm or waste time needed for medical care. CDC advises against them in public first aid guidance.

• Do not cut or excise the wound, and do not try to suck out venom by mouth or device.
• Do not apply a tight arterial tourniquet. Pressure immobilization bandaging is not a universal snakebite measure; do not improvise it at the scene.
• Do not apply ice or electric shock, drink alcohol as a remedy, or rely on herbs and other folk treatments.
• Do not catch, kill, or handle the snake, including a dead one. Do not delay care to identify it.

Signs vary with the species, venom delivered, bite location, and the person affected. This is not a diagnostic checklist. The absence of an early sign does not establish that a bite is harmless.

• Pain, redness, swelling, bruising, blistering, or bleeding near the bite.
• Nausea, vomiting, weakness, dizziness, tingling, or changes in vision.
• Trouble breathing, fainting, or unusual bleeding can signal a serious problem.

Breathing difficulty, fainting, severe weakness, abnormal bleeding, or rapidly increasing swelling need emergency help. Call 112 in Georgia. Children may experience more severe effects of venom because of their smaller body mass.

A bite from an unidentified snake also needs prompt assessment, even if the person initially feels well. Do not use the appearance of the wound or a guessed species to postpone care.

No. Many snakes in Georgia are not medically venomous, although their bites can still injure the skin. If the species is uncertain or venom is possible, seek emergency assessment first.

The venomous snakes guide and identification guide explain species differences.

If you suspect a snakebite but did not see the animal, treat its identity as unknown. Call 112 in Georgia and seek emergency assessment; do not search for the snake before asking for help.

If the animal is still visible, a photograph from a safe distance may help later, but only if it does not delay care. Never approach or handle it for identification.

The atlas describes Georgia's venomous snakes, including the Levantine viper. For a known or strongly suspected bite from that species, see the blunt-nosed viper bite article. The rear-fanged Montpellier snake has a different atlas risk label. These labels describe species profiles; they cannot grade an individual bite.

After medical help is underway, use the snake species index and range guide for context. The yard guide covers prevention and encounters, not bite treatment.

Clinicians assess the person and decide whether antivenom or other treatment is indicated. Antivenom is used to treat envenoming, but this page cannot determine a need, dose, product, or availability at a Georgian hospital.

Emergency dispatch and medical professionals make decisions about transport, observation, and treatment.