Prevention and emergency field management of venomous snakebites during military exercises

Summer exercises in the continental United States bring many military personnel in contact with our four types of indigenous venomous snakes. Personnel with a knowledge of these snakes, their habits, and habitat, and who exercise common sense are much less likely to fall victim to a venomous bite. When a bite does occur, timely and appropriate first aid can help to reduce the sequelae of an envenomation. Military medical personnel should be prepared to discuss snakebite prevention and field management with all personnel taking to the field this summer.