General Measures: The following first aid measures are recommended for ALL poisonous snake bites:
Move away from the snake.
Remain calm and minimize activity (to reduce absorption and circulation of the venom).
Promptly transport victim to a medical facility.
Incision and Suction (or "Cut and Suck"): Do NOT perform incision and suction. The majority of experts recommend against this. In addition, an incision performed by a hurried, nervous, and inexperienced individual may result in damage to an artery, nerve, or tendon.
Suction: Do NOT suck the bite wound with your mouth. You can buy a snakebite kit, which contains a suction device (Sawyer Extractor).
Lymphatic Constriction Band: In this technique a loose band is applied around the arm or leg between the bite wound and the heart. A number of experts recommend this, because it theoretically will reduce the distribution of the venom to the remainder of the body and thus delay systemic effects.
Instructions assume that the victim is more than 2 hours from the hospital, and that less than 30 minutes have elapsed since the bite wound.
Place a constriction band around the extremity, at least 2 inches above the bite, but not around a joint. Use a wide band such as elastic bandage or a piece of clothing.
Make the band snug, but not tight enough to stop blood flow in the veins or arteries. It should be loose enough to easily slip a finger under it. If the hand or foot turns white and cold or the pulse disappears, the tourniquet is much too tight and may damage normal tissue.
Once applied, leave it in place until you have been evaluated by a medical professional.