There are so few people ever bitten by snakes that precautions are often taken lightly, which is the reason for the very few that occur. Some of the precautions would to: Wear nee high loose fitting leather boots when in snake country. Never reach into a hole or up over your head onto a ledge or into a bush where you cannot see the ground. Never sit down before inspecting the area around you. Be careful when stepping over logs. Always walk in a leisurely manner, if you hurry you may wonder into the path of a snake and it just might believe it is being attacked, thus striking you. Do Not stroll at night, snakes are most active at night. Again purchase a new version of the American Red Cross first aid manual. After a bit, the very best thing to do if bitten by a snake is to get professional medical help as soon as possible. Also soon after, treat the person for shock and try to keep him/her from hysteria. Wash the wound and immobilize the injured area keeping it lower than the heart if possible. If you will be transporting the person yourself, if possible carry him/her. If they must walk, walk slowly to keep the pulse down and blood flow slower. Things not to do: Do not apply ice. Do not cut the wound. Do not use a tourniquet. Do not use electric shock. If you know that you cannot get to a medical facility within 30 minute, consider suctioning the wound. Always carry a snakebite kit and know how to use it. This will have what you need to temporarily get by. Encourage bleeding from the wound. Using your mouth to suction should always be your last resort. Be sure there are no cuts to your mouth. Then rinse your mouth thoroughly. If possible, identify the snake. If you encounter a snake around the campground or near human habitation. Seek the help of the Rangers or if the campgrounds are privately owned, seek an employee of the facility. It is best that you not try to kill it yourself unless you have absolutely no other choice.